SATURDAY 17-02-09

There was a working weekend this weekend andI attended today (Saturday 17th February). We were blessed with fine weather. Roger & Bobby and 9 of us (volunteers) spent the day bushwhacking and shredding the product. A very enjoyable day.

Volunteers bushwhacking (they are in there somewhere!) - copyright Roger Hine

The results of our labours are very pleasing to see. I have to work Sunday but I understand the bushwhacking and shredding will continue.

Shredding the aforementioned bushwhacking "product" - copyright Roger Hine

Eco-Management (the posh phrase for bushwhacking) is a major thing at the Bala Lake Rai;way forthree very good reasons.

Firstly, a lot of the railway is on embankments and allowing trees and bushes to grow up& through the foundations of the embankments will cause (both short & long term) damage to these structures, which will ultimately destroy the existence of the railway!

Secondly, the railway is advertised as the "Bala Lake" railway and if the pssengers are unable to see the lake - or at best glimpses of the water through a wall of trees then they may feel cheated. Opening up views each year allows people to go away withpleasant thoughts of the railway, the views they have seen and hopefully they will encourage others to visit.

Thirdly, shredding the "output" of bushwhacking sessions produces a mulch that when spread on embankment sides suppresses the brambles and allows the grass to grow. This enables us to manage (mow) the embankment sides better - ultimately creating a more pleasing view and better working conditions for volunteers & permanent staff alike - trying to do anything in an area covered in brambles is no fun!

Source: Bob Greenhalgh