Volunteers from Tarmac braved the recent September heatwave to help restore a treasured pathway in the Peak District.
A team from Tarmac’s health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) assurance department made light work of crucial repairs to a one-mile, stone-laid path – known locally as the ‘Miner’s Path’ – which is believed to date back to the 19th century.
Running between the villages of Winster and Birchover, the pathway is carefully managed by the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) along with a variety of other routes, right up to the modern-day accessible opportunities of places like the Monsal Trail.
Wayne Darwin, HSEQ assurance and governance manager for Tarmac, said: “Initially driving to Tarmac’s Tunstead site, we were taken to Winster where we picked up the trail and walked to the area in need of repair – enjoying the Peak District scenery along the way.
“It was one of the hottest days of the year (hence the shorts and red faces!) but well worth it and we all appreciated the experience. Thanks go to our host Rob Kenning from the Peak District National Park Authority for his expertise and support on the day.”
First formed in 2016, the volunteering partnership between Tarmac and the Peak District National Park Authority has seen employees rack up thousands of volunteering hours through ‘days of action’ within the Peak District National Park, through a dedicated group known as the ‘Peak Park Conservation Volunteers’ or PPCV. Both businesses and individuals can get hands-on experiences through PPCV’s annual work programme.
Through volunteering days, Tarmac teams have been involved in a wide range of improvement projects, including footpath repairs, management of ancient hay meadows, tree planting, woodland maintenance, the removal and recycling of plastic tree guards, replacing benches and helping to improve a wildlife garden for a local school.
Rob Kenning, who leads the PPCV group for the National Park Authority, added: “As our colleagues and passionate volunteers know well, the weather rarely stops the work of caring for the Peak District; whether that be pouring rain or blazing sunshine.
“The work done by the Tarmac team has not only helped to reveal the striking stone flags that form the Miner’s Path for all to enjoy, but also helps us to assess potential future repairs or maintenance needs on the route, which is easier to see with the path fully cleared.”
For more information, visit: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/
