Publication 2015
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Upland Pathwork Construction Standards for Scotland Upland Path Advisory Group 3rd Edition 2015 Acknowledgements This good practice guide was originally produced by The Footpath Trust for the Path Industry Skills Group © Published by Scottish Natural Heritage 1999 Authors Jo Hunt (The Footpath Trust) Bridget Jones (The Conservation Company) Margaret Thomas (Upland Access Management) Illustrations and design by Alasdair Hamilton, Ordie Design Associates and Bill Thompson, Graphic Deeds Editors Jo Hunt, The Footpath Trust Margaret Thomas, Upland Access Management Mark Dearden, MD Technical Writing Comments and contributions from Paul Johnson, Alisdair Eckersall, Paul Esrich, Keith Bryers, Bob Aitken, Dougie Baird and Richard Ball Project Funders and Joint Copyright Holders: Scottish Natural Heritage, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland and The Footpath Trust. The manual was updated in 2004 and the third edition was produced in 2015 by Scottish Natural Heritage. 2015 Edition Editor: Fiona Cuninghame (SNH) Comments and contributions from Bob Brown (NTS), Chris Goodman (JMT), Chris York (Walking the Talk), Gilbert McNeill (Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority), Kevin Fairclough (Paths for All), and Richard Fox (Lake District National Park Authority). Hard copies of the manual are no longer available. Upland Pathwork 2 www.snh.gov.uk Contents Section 1: Introduction to Upland Pathwork 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................ 4 1.1 Principles of Upland Pathwork ............................................................ 6 1.2 Environmental Impact ......................................................................... 8 1.3 Path Assessment ............................................................................. 12 1.4 Path Survey ...................................................................................... 16 1.5 Maintenance ..................................................................................... 25 1.6 Working Practice .............................................................................. 28 1.7 Tools and Equipment........................................................................ 31 1.8 Mechanised Equipment .................................................................... 35 1.9 Health and Safety ............................................................................. 45 1.10 Climate Change................................................................................ 52 Section 2: Upland Path Drainage 2.0 Introduction to Drainage Techniques ................................................ 54 2.1 Open Ditching................................................................................... 59 2.2 Turf lined ditching ............................................................................. 64 2.3 Stone Lett ......................................................................................... 69 2.4 Stone Waterbar ................................................................................ 73 2.5 Stone Cross-drain ............................................................................ 79 2.6 Stone Culvert ................................................................................... 85 2.7 Piped Culvert .................................................................................... 92 2.8 Stone Ford ....................................................................................... 98 Section 3: Upland Path Surfaces 3.0 Introduction to Surface Techniques ................................................ 103 3.1 Aggregate Path .............................................................................. 108 3.2 Reinforced surfacing: Aggregate Path on Peat ............................... 115 3.3 Anchor Bars: Aggregate Paths on Slopes....................................... 124 3.4 Stone Pitching ................................................................................ 129 Section 4: Upland Path Site Restoration 4.0 Introduction to Restoration Techniques .......................................... 136 4.1 Materials and Use .......................................................................... 140 4.2 Defining Path Alignment ................................................................. 148 4.3 Containing Path Use....................................................................... 152 4.4 Bank and Slope Stabilisation .......................................................... 157 4.5 Restoring Vegetation ...................................................................... 161 Glossary of Symbols ........................................................................................... 165 Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................... 167 Further Reference................................................................................................ 172 Upland Pathwork 3 www.snh.gov.uk 1. Introduction to Upland Pathwork 1.0 Introduction This good practice guide describes the basic principles and techniques of upland path work and the context in which they should be used. It complements the Upland Path Management Manual which covers the process of managing an upland path project from developing a proposal, through project delivery and aftercare. Both manuals have been designed for use by all involved in upland path management, although many of the principles also apply to lowland paths. The overall aim of this manual is to achieve high quality management and sustainable use of upland paths, thereby protecting the exceptional scenic quality of Scotland’s mountains. To achieve this it is essential that anyone using the manual is familiar with this ‘Introduction to upland pathwork’ section before using the technical guidance in the remainder of the manual. • Section 1 introduces the basic principles of path management and the factors that need to be considered before commencing any pathwork. • Sections 2, 3 and 4 cover the practicalities of upland pathwork. They include guidance on when and where to use different techniques as well as how to construct and maintain paths. With all pathwork, the sites and materials differ from area to area, and variations will necessarily occur. It is therefore not practical, or desirable, for the examples given to be followed slavishly. Instead the guidance needs to be carefully applied to different sites, guided by experience. The principles will generally be the same for all upland paths and should be the minimum standards observed. This manual sets the standards in relation to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ), and provides the supporting material for trainee pathworkers following the SVQ in Environmental Conservation at Level II. Whilst this manual can inform and guide path construction, it cannot replace experience gained from working on a variety of upland path sites. It takes time to gain this necessary experience but by training and assessment towards a recognised level of competence, the skills gained will be recognised and can be developed. The guidance contained in this manual is accepted best practice at the time of writing but cannot cover all eventualities. All path sites are different so there is no substitute for risk assessment and good planning to ensure the safest and most appropriate ways of working are identified for each particular work site. Path management practice and techniques continue to develop, particularly as more challenging sites are tackled and the Upland Path Advisory Group (UPAG) intends to continue to update the guidance in the manual accordingly. Since first produced additional information on mechanised equipment was added in 2004 and the manual was updated in 2015. This includes more information on light touch work and changes to techniques, such as turf lined ditches. This latest version also Upland Pathwork 4 www.snh.gov.uk includes changes to the legal framework which impact on the design and management of upland paths, particularly the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and Equality Act 2010. UPAG is an association of path building contractors, environmental and statutory organisations, landowners, hill user groups and others interested in working together to agree and improve the standard and design of path management in Scotland. Comments, notes and information on new techniques are welcomed by UPAG through [email protected]. Upland Path Advisory Group (UPAG) UPAG is an association of path contractors, countryside management charities, statutory organisations, landowners, hill user groups and others interested in sharing information and working together to improve the standard and design of path management in Scotland. UPAG is the successor body to the Path Industry Skills Group (PISG). Upland Pathwork 5 www.snh.gov.uk 1.1 Principles of Upland Pathwork There are a variety of factors influencing the need for upland pathwork. As well as the overriding need to maintain the unique scenic quality of Scotland’s mountain landscapes, consideration must be given to recreation, safety, tourism, equality and the needs of rural communities and economies. Techniques are continually developing in response to these factors. There is demand for repair of more remote sites, but with less visible impact on the landscape, and combined with more durable surfaces. The aim should always be to build or repair using techniques that will withstand the pressures of path users, and climate,