Tosson Hill Footpath Project
Tosson Hill ridge viewed from the Coquet Valley in the evening sun
This month we successfully completed the first part of our footpath project on Tosson Hill to protect our precious peat and moorland habitats along with the carbon and water they store.
Work in progress on Tosson Hill ridge footpath
Experienced moorland restoration contractors Terra Firma, worked long hours while the weather was good, to tackle the erosion on several sections of public footpath leading to the trig point 440m above sea level. This is highest part of the Simonside Hills, with wonderful views across the Coquet Valley to the Cheviot Hills beyond.
The view to the north from Tosson Hill Trig Point
Using a nifty technique known as ‘substrata reversal’ Terra Firma skilfully used excavators to bring the sand-rich mineral material along the degraded path to the surface. This creates a durable, raised path which sheds water gently to the side, preventing erosion and creating a comfortable walking surface out of natural materials already present on site. The minerals will weather to a similar colour to the other rock in the area and be much less intrusive in the landscape than the ever widening eroded footpath.
Highly skilled excavator operator restoring the damaged route
Before restoration work was undertaken
The adjacent vegetation which had been damaged by trampling from walkers spreading out to avoid the wet, bare peat, has been skilfully restored right up to the edge of the path, increasing the area of heath habitat and protecting the underlying peat. Already it is hard to see where the big tracked machines have been. Amazing how 8 tonne excavators carry out such sensitive work, but in the right hands, they do!
After restoration work. In time the colour will change and the path will blend in.
We haven’t finished yet! The next stage of this project will take place later this year. It will involve laying natural stone flags on sections of damaged deep peat along the path and installation of footbridges over deep gullys to make the route safer and more enjoyable.
We are very grateful for grant aid from Northumberland National Park Authority (via Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes Fund) and Northumberland County Council. The project was only possible due to the support from these organisations and Natural England who approved the work within this Special Area of Conservation.
In the coming months we will be running some free guided walks for groups of people who rarely get the opportunity to visit this special place, in addition to those offered on our events page. Please get in touch if you are interested.