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| Worthys Conservation Volunteers logo |
On Saturday 21 February, a bright and sunny afternoon, 11 volunteers met up at Worthy Down Halt, Kings Worthy, on Footpath 501.
This was their first task to be held on a Saturday, the idea being that it would hopefully encourage new volunteers who otherwise would not be able to attend on Sundays.
Bruce Graham the task leader was delighted on the day, as four new faces came along and were made most welcome.
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The hardworking Saturday volunteer troop |
The station platform – built in 1924 to serve the army camp was dismantled in 1964 as part of the Beeching Axe – has for many years been neglected and suffered from the elements.
As a consequence it has become almost unrecognisable.
Willow, birch and hawthorn trees have done the most damage, significantly to the top of the platform; unless these trees are removed the platform will become unsafe and eventually turn to rubble.
Also, bramble, privet and clematis have done their utmost in almost completely obscuring the platform from view.
The Worthy Conservation Volunteers long term plan is to restore ‘the lost platform of Worthy Down Halt’ creating a raised wildflower bed and to enhance the surrounding embankment.
Today saw the group clear the area to the south of the hut, extending the patch cleared last April.
Equipped with a bow-saw or lopper they set about to clear as much scrub as possible and to lift roots.
The cut material was dragged 100 metres down the line to protect the special wildflower habitat beyond the south end of the platform.
Only the larger trees remained - these will be tackled another day with some heavy muscle.
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Cleared platform planted with wildflower seeds |
Finally, wildflower seed was sown on the newly cleared area.
There is still more to do to clear the platform completely, but it is at last beginning to show a character of its own, reminding us of a bygone age -you can just imagine passengers waiting to catch the 12:32, the GWR steam train chuffing and puffing as it approaches …
Further work was continued by WCV at this location on Sunday 15 March.
Whilst on Sunday 19 April the group will turn their attention to footpath improvements, at Nuns Walk.
If you would like help preserve the wildlife, footpaths and other green spaces in our local community and get fit at the same time, whilst enjoying the fresh air and outdoor life then call 01962 884870 or email: enquiries@worthysconservationvolunteers.org.uk
Whilst the website: www.worthysconservationvolunteers.org.uk also has more details. |
