Lots Happening in the Erewash Valley

James Lowe, the Sustrans Area manager, contacted me last week to ask if I'd meet a group of architecture students from Nottingham Univeristy and show them the Bennerley Viaduct. Their tutor wants to use the viaduct as a subject for projects. I met them at Barker's Lock on the Erewash Canal and we walked up the canal to the steep bank which gives access to the viaduct deck. We spent some time on top, but of course you can't see the viaduct from there!

Last time the Rangers were there the bottom of the embankment on the other side was blocked by a fence. A quick recce showed that it was now possible to get down to the valley floor, turn left and get excellent, close-up views of the structure. The students were very impressed, and spent the rest of the morning photographing, filming, measuring and recording. It will be interesting to see the outcomes, and perhaps Sustrans will be able to make use of their work in raising the profile of the viaduct. Most of the students were from overseas and, who knows, maybe in a year or two people in China, India and South America will be clamouring to visit!

At ten o'clock I left them to it and belatedly made my way up the canal, through Cotmanhay and Shipley Wood to the Nutbrook Trail. Here I met Stuart and Maldwyn who had already started the work day. We made our way down the trail, mainly litter picking. The trail was probably in the cleanest condition we had ever seen it, and we got as far as Straw's Bridge by 1230. This is where we will meet for our next work day at 1000 on Wednesday 06 November.

Jeff