Work Day at Newburn
Saturday March 3rd.

The Problem

Track flooding due to low point, inadequate run off drainage and encroaching vegetation.
Note the rare wildlife " Rubberduckus"

Report by Doug.

For a long time this section of Hadrian's Cycleway has been in a mess especially after wet weather, due to rain water run-off collecting at a low point resulting in track users walking along the grass verges, exasperating the problem by churning the verges into mud and clogging the poor drainage even further.

After contacting Adam Bell, Newcastle Countryside & Parks Ranger for Hadrian's Way it was agreed that Sustrans Rangers could carry out remedial work to sort out the problem. Adam also agreed to supply gravel for our use and supply this on site (more on this later).

Mike Dagley from the Manchester Ranger-North office had been in touch about meeting the group and I advised him we had a work day coming up. Mike jumped at the chance to come up to meet the STARS group and to help on the work day. Originally this work was planned for later in March but was brought forward so as not to disturb wild (rare) birds nesting and this also fitted in well with Mike's busy schedule.

Prior to the day, tools and equipment were gathered and arrangements made to get these to the site - Adam Bell had taken ill in the week before and had not ordered the gravel, but as events unfolded this proved to be fortuitous as I had underestimated how much gravel would be needed. From his sick bed Adam arranged for the Newburn C&P Warden to provide the gravel so long as we loaded it up onto his pick up truck. I provided a "Big Bag" which could hold 1 tonne.

First batch of gravel being loaded

The work gets underway

The rose bush disappears

Arriving early - 9:45am I met Mike at Newburn - he had stayed at Wylam the previous night and had cycled done that morning along the Wylam Waggonway (currently being resurfaced) - so he wasn't covered in mud as would have been the case in the past - but this lapse was resolved later once digging commenced.

The Wardens pick up truck had been conveniently left by a huge pile of gravel and as soon as a few more helpers arrived the first bag was loaded onto the pick up. With arrangements made for the warden to deliver the gravel on site later - we set off to the work site dodging the crowds of spectators who had turned out for the Tyne Rowing Competition that day.

Arriving on-site warning signs were put out on the track and the new Sustrans banner was unfurled. This section of route is very popular with cyclists, walkers, horse riders so we had to keep a wary eye out at all times and maintain a passageway past the working area. At times this was difficult especially when dragging out long branches etc. but most of the public were understanding. One cyclist thank as for what we were doing - Ron attempted to hand out Sustrans leaflets but most unfortunately rode straight on past us.

One motor bike was spotted coming along the track but on seeing all the yellow jackets sped off in the other direction - this section of track suffers problems not only with motor bikes but also with pony and trap racing !!!

By now the weather was improving with lots of sunshine, no wind and very mild. Steadily more and more Rangers arrived and the work plan was explained. With tools passed out everyone swung into action.
First task was to cut down a very old scrub rose bush - some of the main stems were over 2" in diameter. This "bush" has in the past become quite rampant and grown right over the track impeding passage so it was decided to cut this down the ground surface. Everyone got into action and we soon had the rose bush decimated with a huge pile of branches left for the council to collect later. The new tools that I had purchased at Lidl proving very useful - especially the long extending branch cutter - with the cutter head pushed under the bush it was easy to cut the stems free and drag them clear. The long stems were then cut up and put on the ever growing heap.

Ditch digging commences

More digging !

Even more digging !!

With the ground now exposed work started on digging drainage trenches along the side of the track with a run off trench through the trees to the bank drop off. Mike performed sterling work with his mighty Mattock quickly breaking the ground ready for those with spades to remove the soil. Once the top soil was removed this exposed the old ash ballast from the old rail sidings that existed in this area. This ash ballast once exposed is very free draining. The area was once part of the Stella North Power Station coal sidings and the cycle track the main rail line to Carlisle. The line to Carlilse now follows the other bank of the Tyne.

Ken the Warden arrive with his pick up truck and the gravel, which was quickly unloaded. It soon became apparent a lot more would be need to back fill the trenches to be dug. Ken the Warden agreed we could have as much as we needed, so several rangers went back to the gravel stockpile to load some more. By the time the work was completed it took three trips with 3 big bags equivalent to nearly 3 tonnes. The only road access to the site was at the other end so the C&P warden had quite a long round trip each time - many thanks to them for their assistance.

A break was taken at midday and with everyone getting hungry John & Doug went along to "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to collect a large food order. Arriving back on site the excellent huge sandwiches were quickly consumed, a variety of soft drinks were provided by Doug. (see Rons photo page)

Waiting for the pick up to back down

The final bag of gravel arrives

Spreading the last batch of gravel

With energy levels replenished work carried on - by now several more Rangers join us and others had to leave due to other engagements. By the end of the day 13 rangers took part with Mile Dagley making 14 - a record turn out. Those at the work day were:-
Doug, Lindsay, JohnK, Bob, Stuart, Ken, Jill, Ruth, JohnH, Pat, JohnR, Rob, Ron, Mike
For Ruth and JohnR this was their first chance to meet all the other rangers.

At times the work site resembled a rubbish dump but as time progressed it steadily became cleaner and more importantly water and mud free. Any rain run off now has somewhere to soak away and with the rose bush gone it will be much easier to maintain this section.

The Problem resolved

Drainage ditches dug each side back filled and run-off channel dug.
Extreme vegetation clearance on right hand side and no "Ducks"

The section between Newburn Bridge and the ramp down to Shelly Road was litter picked with Ron discovering a rare plant complete with pot in the undergrowth (see photo page). A replacement metal sign was installed at the entrance to the off-road section to replace one damaged when a joy riders who had gained access to the track after the fence had been chopped down. The new metal barrier hoops which are firmly concreted in should prevent this from reoccurring.

Replacement access barriers and sign post

During the work everyone had a chance to meet and talk to Mike and again later at the Keelman PH over a pint, where further discussions about ranger activities took place with Mike supplying all manner of goodies from his bike trailer.

Rangers relaxing after a hard days work
at the Keelman PH Newburn
Photo by Ken

With a job well done everyone departed on their way. Two rangers accompanied Mike down river and showed him the way to Newcastle Central Station. Mike had planned to stay for the weekend to see more of the cycle routes in the North East but had to return to Manchester that evening.

Many thanks to Mike Dagley in coming up to meet the STARS and help with the work day - I am sure everyone appreciated it and look forward to a longer visit next time.

Many thanks to everyone that came on the day for a job well done and a good time had by all.

Click here to more photos of rangers in action !!

Click here for images and comments by Ron

Did anyone find a rubber duck !!!!