Path Erosion in the Lake District

1. Path Erosion in the Lake District

2. Path Erosion definition • The loss of vegetation and soil structure due in part to the concentrated pressure of people.

3. Stage 1 • During trampling the soil compact. • This reduces the infiltration rate • Water tends to run off and not soak in • Moving water removes soil • Plants die off as they are walked on • Soil left bare with no roots to bind it • More soil washed away

4. Stage 2 • A small gulley is formed • Water flows down the channel and more soil washed away • Underlying rock exposed

5. Stage 3 • Gully becomes much deeper • People don’t like to walk in the gully • Start a new path next to the original • Process starts again

6. Prevention: • Paths that are just beginning to show signs of wear can be carefully managed to prevent further erosion and help regeneration. • Path Definition – any obstructing materials are removed from the path and placed at the sides to make the edges unattractive to walk on and direct people along the right track. • Drainage – effective and well-placed drainage can save paths from water damage. Drains are built into paths and once they are there, volunteers lead on “drain runs”, where shovels and brushes are taken up the fells to clear the drains and ensure they remain effective. • Pigeon-Holing – a line of circular bare patches can occur on grassy slopes when large numbers of walkers follow the same line up a hill. If ignored, these ‘pigeon holes’ become larger and join together to form a gully. The holes can be easily repaired using seed and turf and cloche netting (a willow frame covered with chicken wire) is used to protect the area while it regenerates.

8. Restoration • Soil Inversion – this is where the top few feet of soil is turned over so the aggregate underneath provides a firmer surface. Material is removed from the sides of the path, creating a raised path with a ditch either side for drainage. This method was used by the Romans. In recent years, this technique has used machinery to turn the soil over as it is faster and cleaner. • Stone-pitching – surfacing paths with stone looks natural and needs minimal maintenance making it ideal for remote routes and also some of the most popular paths. The technique involves setting large locally sourced stones, flattened side up, into the ground to create small irregular steps that blend into the surroundings. • Sheep’s Wool – is used in areas where the paths are boggy or peaty. Sheep fleeces are folded and rolled to create a ‘floating path’ that is then layered with stones. The sheep fleece protects the peat and soil but allows water to drain more easily.