Amazing response from DCC PRoW department regarding the friends who worked so hard on the 'Ham lane' project - HUGE Respect Guys
To Ros, Emma, Amanda, Ken
Just an update on ?Ham lane? works completed on Sunday 11/12/22 six volunteers in attendance
Four more digger tracks added into the bank of the stream to support the bank in a couple of places
Holly pruned back to the top end of the lane, increasing the height and removing cut ends of branches hanging down
Grippers added to the sleepers without grippers they just had chicken wire on them, one wasn?t completed after the last visit because we ran out, thanks to Ros for the re-supply
One branch of an Ash tree removed as the limb was on the exit/entrance to one of the crossings making it very awkward to exit thus removing the risk of injury, plenty of scars on the branch to demonstrate this problem
More stream bed material moved to insert against the bank to make exiting the stream easier for bikes thus in turn causing less damage to the exposed root of the tree
I?m not planning anymore work parties for this ?Ham Lane? in the future but feel as with many other rights of way it?ll never be finished or completed
The only improvements in the future would be increasing the width of the surface at the lower end where the grass areas are, a simple strim & clear of a few lying branches Plus the surface of the road has dropped in a few places (mainly due to water erosion) exposing tree roots, not sure what suitable surface dressing would be required? Happy to discuss ways forward for all users
I?m happy to be contacted if problems arise in the future?feel free!
Kindest Regards Ian
Reply
Hello Ian Many thanks for your email and the news regarding Ham Lane - WOW - that is a huge amount of work that has been completed over the last weekend. Please pass on a massive thanks to the 6 involved and indeed all the others that have given so much time and energy to improving this route over the duration of the project. From a path that was challenging to walk we have all seen evidence of a route that can now be negotiated by walkers, riders (with care and confidence and a certain type of horse) and also bikers both of the pedal and motorised variety. In all the years I have worked for DCC Ham Lane, Stockland has been a difficult path without a solution. We are all very grateful for the work that has been achieved to make this route accessible once more to so many more people than ever before; it is a valuable route that helps to add connections to the parish and also creates a beautiful walk throughout the year. I am sure the parish of Stockland and its community will join me in saying a very big thankyou for all that you have achieved. Personally Ian, I would like to thank you for all your support, encouragement and persistence regarding Ham Lane and we hope you enjoy using it for years to come. Best wishes Ros
Ros Davies Public Rights of Way ? Parish Paths Liaison Officer Highways and Traffic Management
MORE importantly thank you to all those that worked very hard on the project without their help it would still be a wondering nightmare wether it would remain feasible for all users to actively use this wonderful green road in harmony
