We are delighted to report that the stretch between St Werburgh’s Road Metro station and 50 metres east of the Withington Road overbridge has been resurfaced back to its original width. This looks a really good job and the view along the section has a very smart appearance, plus the work has eliminated the problem of tree roots dangerously distorting the path surface in this area. Similar work on a short section by Shillingford Road has smoothed over the ridges there too and the path made wider; but note that here, as the new surface is somewhat higher than before there is a bit of a drop to the grass on the road side of the tarmac.
In addition, and what we were not expecting, is the installation of lighting along this section. Generally the Friends are not in favour of lighting along the Loop due to possible wildlife impacts and the encouragement of anti-social behaviour. However, the installation is a ‘fait accompli’ and is not likely to be reversed. We think the lighting may be part of a ‘safer routes to school’ initiative for Chorlton High School. In addition to the new tarmac, some barriers have been removed. Unfortunately the removal of the one just to the east of the bridge over the brook between Yew Tree Lane and Princess Parkway has created a hazardous uneven surface, hence the temporary fencing at this point. Manchester City Council has released a draft re-design for the crossing over Wilmslow Road at Sainsbury’s/Sherwood Street. We will be discussing this at our November meeting.
Last week, Sustrans’ contractors carried out work on poplars in the Slade Lane to Errwood Road section, as they were reaching the end of their lifespan and showing signs of decline. Most have been pollarded. There are a number of poplars of a similar age further west on the Floop and Manchester Tree Station have been commissioned to look at management options for these over the next few years.
Work is almost complete in easing many of the access points along the length of the Floop, by providing a 1.5m clearance and improving turning space. However the design for some is still being worked on, and a few are proving difficult to ease.
Meanwhile the Thursday volunteer task force has been working on various parts of the route, cutting back the branches and brambles encroaching on the path in the worst sections and edging to get the path back to its full width. There was also a joint workday in November with the group working with Sustrans employees on their staff Volunteering Day at Abbey Hey, to improve the maze, copses, peace garden and the open space .
ORCHARDS
Dick Venes reports that the only tree with any fruit left on it is the medlar in the Sherwood Street orchard. Medlars are closely related to apples. The RHS website tells us that the fruits are a curious delicacy, popular in medieval times but now not widely grown. Picked in autumn when still unripe, hard and bitter, the small golden-brown fruits must be stored for several weeks to ripen (or blet) until they are dark brown, soft, sweet and aromatic. They can then either be eaten (traditionally teamed with cheese and port) or, more popularly, used to make a fragrant amber jelly to accompany rich meats. They can also be used in sweet desserts.
Friends of the Fallowfield Loop 