PATH DEVELOPMENT Ramblers North Strathclyde Area Committee – a case study

The Peaton Hill Community Nature Reserve is located on Ministry of Defence ground on the Peninsula on the west coast of , 20 minutes from . Prior to the mid 1970s the site was rough pasture, while in the 1980s it was the works compound for a contractor constructing a new road and later was utilised for the disposal of the spoil resulting from excavations. When all activities ceased in the late 1980s, the site was hard landscaped, covered with low quality top soil and planted with a mix of conifer and broad leaf trees. Since then nature has worked its magic and a wide range of natural vegetation has established itself.

In 2004 it was suggested the area become a nature reserve and a small group of volunteers began work to make it a reality. With grants from Scottish Natural Heritage in 2007 and 2010, there was considerable work carried out within the reserve to build hides, construct gravel paths, and to purchase materials to elevate paths over waterlogged areas.

In 2012 the Ramblers North Strathclyde Area Committee decided to support the project. They gave a grant of £500 to volunteers within the Helensburgh and West Ramblers Group to purchase materials to enable the extension of the western end of the boardwalk footpath. The construction of a three plank section and its installation was completed in October 2012 by the volunteers, providing a bridge to a portion of the footpath which was subject to flooding. This new section of boardwalk was built clear of the ground to allow improved circulation to enable the wood to dry more quickly after rain. Previously installed sections adjacent to the new extension were also lifted clear of the ground to match the new section and to improve alignment. Pictures of the improvements below.

Location 1 - Before Location 1 – After Phase 1

Location 2 – Before Location 2 – After Phase 1

In March 2013, the Ramblers Committee supported the project further with a second grant of £1,200 to purchase materials to widen the three plank section of the boardwalk, to a five plank section. This would allow for easier access of pushchairs and wheelchairs. The grant was used to improve both the existing boardwalk by reinstalling it clear of the ground and improving its alignment, and to increase all the three plank wide sections to five planks in width. The work was undertaken by the same volunteers and was completed in August 2013.

Location 1 – Completed after Phase 2 Location 2 – Completed after Phase 2

To provide a non-slip surface, chicken wire was installed and a donation to cover the cost of the wire was given by Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers, utilising funds it had received from Ramblers Holidays. Finally up-stands were installed along the edges of the upgraded boardwalk to create a raised edge along the sides.

Location 3 – Before Location 3 – After

The majority of the work was undertaken by two volunteers, neither of whom had any woodwork background. They enjoyed the experience of improving paths for their community and learnt new skills which will benefit them greatly in future path developments.

The paths are included in Argyll & Bute Core Paths Plan and have become more popular due to the improvements. The reserve is accessible on foot from to the south and from in the north. The map reference for the location of the reserve is NS 225 870.

Location 4 – Before Location 4 – After