Once again our intrepid volunteers have fought through mud, rain and adversity to deliver a variety of footpath improvements and cut back intrusive (and usually prickly) vegetation. On the footpath opposite the White Horse at Hascombe we removed 2 stiles and replaced them with field gates and installed a long handrail for the tricky ascent up the hill into the Hurtwood. Simultaneously many of the volunteers also provided a free and nutritious supplement to the diet of the many horseflies that inhabit the area. We then moved on to Witley for further excitement when a large tree suddenly collapsed very close to the path where Nicky West (SCC Rights of Way Officer) and I were carrying out a pre-work inspection. Fortunately, the main working day passed without incident and we successfully applied our mud handling skills to digging out a section of muddy path and replacing it with a new consolidated hard surface and new drainage channels.

Our latest venture has been the installation of two new kissing gates at Chiddingfold (on a footpath down Mill Lane) and repair of a stile. The notable delights of this task being that in spite of many days of rain and a downpour during the job, which left the surface like a skating rink, digging the holes to put the gate footings in was more like rock drilling than garden planting!

So can you live with yourself for missing out on the fun and varied activities of the working party? We are always keen to welcome new volunteers and it only takes a phone call to get you on the list