Lower Wensleydale

Based at the Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, Lower Wensleydale Area Ranger Nigel Metcalfe manages one of the busiest visitor sites in the north of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

His area includes Coverdale, Walden and Bishopdale.

The role of Access Ranger Paul Sheehan in Lower Wensleydale involves the maintenance and improvement of public rights of way ie stiles, bridges, gates, and surfacing.

Paul - pictured left - is also involved in the management of two Local Nature Reserves: Ballowfields (unimproved grassland) and Freeholders Wood (coppice woodland and unimproved meadow ).

The work is carried out by Paul, assisted by many different groups including volunteers, contractors apprentices and work experience students.

Projects

Replacement of Footbridges
We have replaced or repaired seven foot bridges over the course of this summer. Three of the bridges were adjacent to the old Wensleydale Railway near Woodhall - the bridges were on two footpaths that run alongside the former railway track bed.

The new bridges replaced old sleeper bridges that were installed when the line was in use. Two of the bridges are part of ongoing improvements to one of the most popular footpaths in Lower Wensleydale, linking Askrigg village and Aysgarth Falls. All the works were undertaken by the Access Rangers with assistance from the Dales Volunteers.

Further works to repair an eroded river bank section of the path are programmed for next year.

Askrigg Village - Stone Flagged Path Repairs
Access Rangers and a local group of conservation volunteers the Ragged Robin Group have been restoring three stone flagged paths around the village of Askrigg in Wensleydale. The paths had been previously restored in 1997 but had become overgrown and covered in grass.

The team cut back and removed all the grass sods from the path and reset or repaired the stone flags where necessary. These well used paths are now restored to their former condition and can be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike whilst walking around the village of Askrigg.

Contact details

Nigel Metcalfe
Lower Wensleydale Area Ranger
Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre
Aysgarth Falls
Leyburn
North Yorkshire
DL8 3TH

01969 662913