Newtown

Today, we were in Newtown to replace a stile with a field gate. Interestingly, this was the last stile on this section, now making the route all gates and as a result much easier to walk.

It was a tough dig but we knew it would be challenging before we even started. Digging two-foot-deep holes near trees inevitably means contending with roots.

The old stile proved harder to remove than expected, but once it was gone, we could start digging the holes for the new gate.

Having the Chair of Wem Rural Council in the group has its advantages, (usually for hitting things ) but today we were treated to tea, coffee, and biscuits from Julia, a fellow Parish Councillor (Newtown Ward). Thanks, Huw, and thanks, Julia!

Refuelled, we set about some serious hole digging. Several hours later, the gate was ready to simply slide into place .

Almost five hours of work, but it was worth it!