Cutting back vegetation
Overgrown vegetationcan block a footpath. We clear these with shears, hedge cutters, saws, loppers, strimmers and brush-cutters.
Occasionally we need a chainsaw to clear fallen trees.
Himalayan Balsam is a problem. We clear any that encroaches on paths, but for other locations see our balsam guide.
Improving drainage
A path may be muddy or clogged with leaf mould which we scrape off. Where water is running over the path we divert it into ditches and drains. Azads, spades, shovels and mattocks are the tools for this wor
This shows a drain cleared out alongside an old causey path.
Widening and improving path surfaces
Paths can get very narrow and difficult. Widening a path involves using azads, spades and mattocks. On steep hillsides paths can become unstable, so we put in wooden revetment to hold up the edge. A favourite job is uncovering ancient causey stones that have been covered by grass.
This path is above Sandy Brook at Barkisland.
Repairing stiles and gates
Many stiles were built more than 20 years ago, and the Pennine weather and livestock take their toll.
New tread boards, new uprights and new rails are often needed. We use hammers, saws, drills and other carpentry tools on these jobs.
This impassable stile was on a path below Burlees Lane, Hebden Bridge.
Constructing and repairing steps
Old stone steps can become overgrown and need clearing, and wooden steps eventually rot. Over time slopes can become eroded and very slippery.
Old stone steps can become overgrown and need clearing, and wooden steps eventually rot. Over time slopes can become eroded and very slippery.
One way of dealing with this is to install new steps. We use hammers, saws, drills, other carpentry tools and the big steel bar on these jobs.
These steps are at Widdop Gate.
Constructing and repairing boardwalks
Boardwalks get people across marshy ground where we can’t channel the water away from the path. Eventually these need repairing – usually to replace rotten or broken slats.
Sometimes we add staples to the boards to give people a better grip. The boardwalk is firmly fixed to the ground by long pegs hidden under the slats.
This boardwalk is above Mytholmroyd.
Repairing stone walls
Wall repairs are sometimes needed where there is some kind of stile. Walls start to disintegrate where sheep climb over or where the stile is used a lot.
Hammers and stone chisels are the main tools, but more importantly we need our two experienced wall builders, as they have the eye for the right stone in the right place.
This wall is at Shackleton above Hardcastle Crags.
Constructing and repairing bridges
Wooden bridges face the same problem as boardwalks with rotten or broken slats. Occasionally we have to rebuild a bridge if the main beams have broken.
For this work we use hammers, nails and staples. We secure the bridge to the ground on each bank of the stream by driving long pegs into the ground with a heavy steel bar.
This bridge crosses Hippins Clough at Blackshawhead.
Waymarking
More people are walking without maps and rely on waymarks – “The reassurance of the little yellow arrow” as someone put it.
We use finger posts, low waymark posts, and individual waymarks. Across moors we use yellow topped posts to make sure people don’t get lost in the mist.
Surveying and inspecting
When someone reports a problem we go and inspect it. We decide if we can do it, how long it will take, how many volunteers and what materials and tools will be needed.
Sometimes we walk along a published route to check its condition, and at the same time we add waymarks where needed.
Feedback to Calderdale Council
We often get reports of deliberate closures or obstructions which we refer to Calderdale highways.
On some occasions we make representations about broader issues. One recent issue was the proposal to install 65 wind turbines on Heptonstall Moor.
Three large completed projects
Erringden Moor boardwalks – In 2018 the impassable path across Erringden moor was officially diverted and CROWS put in several boardwalks to get people across boggy spots. By 2022 the route had become very popular, so we put in more boardwalks to prevent damage to sensitive parts of the moor.
Gaddings Dam – This site had problems with lack of information and erosion of the dangerous route straight down from the dam. CROWS has improved the paths, waymarked all the routes, and installed information boards explaining the dam and giving advice on preventing accidents and erosion of the hillside.
Todmorden tops access boards – When open access was introduced in 2000, a number of information boards were put up to tell people about open access in the locality. After 20 years these were all in a poor state of repair, and so this project cleaned and repaired the remaining six boards.
More information about what we do
We have a more detailed blog of photos and information, which is completed after each of our work parties.
We have also produced a small brochure that describes CROWS, what it does and how it works. You can download the CROWS Brochure here.
You can see our latest Annual Review here.
Our depot
We are based in Mount Shed below Banksfield Estate in Mytholmroyd. We are very proud of our depot organisation – it is the engine that powers our work.
This is where we store most of our tools and materials, and cut and prepare timber for waymarks, stiles, gates, bridges and boardwalks. The practicalities of most jobs start here and we are very proud of it – it is the engine that powers our work. We also have smaller bases in Todmorden and Ripponden.
Upper Calder Valley
Needs Map (visual)
Short explanatory text if needed.
Both from the A5 brochure?