A fair proportion of Spitlers Edge is covered by substantial flagstones (about 6 inches thick). Although somewhat out of character, I am generally in favour of them because, far from destroying the natural habitats they cross, they actually preserve them. I see so many pathways widened when mountain bikers muddy them ... so walkers create parallel paths which the bikers also use ... and before long there is a 10- 6ft wide path eating into the landscape. The flagstones, if properly laid, don't erode so walkers and bikers stick to the paths and encroachment into specialised habitats doesn't tend to happen. It's also prevents casual walkers getting lost! What do you think?Sightings included green woodpeckers, stonechat, several curlew, lapwing, larks
& pipits singing everywhere on the moors, buzzard, kestrel, oystercatcher, little grebe & goosander. And let's not forget the dazzling reflections from the pools nesting in the peat.And man's best friend? A jogger's dog, all proud ears and tail, running alongside his master carefully carrying his all-important water bottle in its mouth. Ahhhhh!
Photo of Spitlers Edge copied from www.altrincham-ramblers.org.uk. Curlew by Colin Smith - follow the link in the side bar to his website- well worth a visit.
3 comments:
yes if created sensitively i think the paths are a good idea, they do protect the wider habitat from damage.
I also think they are a good idea, it's surprising how many people get disorientated when walking - thankfully I have not reached that stage yet. As you say many paths are eroded by bikers and walkers tend to start another path, so on popular walks it's a yes from us.
I've just been researching about footpath erosion and it seems that often paving and stoning paths is definitely the best option - as long as it is done well and with sympathy to the landscape.
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