FoPV Work Morning Roundup - Thursday 8th January 2026

Hello Conservation Volunteers

For our first work morning of 2026 we were round and about Forge Dam in rather chilly and icy conditions, where we were joined by three new volunteers, Luke, Jeanne, and David, but there was plenty to do to work up a good sweat!

Before Christmas the drain with the FoPV plaque which goes under the goit was partially blocked with water flowing around it rather than through it and was a task for those volunteers who don't mind getting wet and muddy! With less water flowing down the hillside on first glance it didn't look too bad, but after removing sticks and branches around it the water started building up - some object was obviously in the drain, and the mud and leaf debris being washed down was collecting around and blocking it.

Being a long run of drain down to the river two sets of plumbing rods were called for. Using the worm screw attachment and most of the rods, attempts from both the top and bottom end of the drain were attacked to unblock it, but was of no avail. Whatever was in the drain was well and truly stuck blocking it, or worse, maybe the drain had collapsed under the path or bankside. Eventually after another attack from the river end a flow of water started to come out, then a bit more, to eventually a full deluge (not good for Martin on the end of the rods!).

To complete a thorough clean and maintenance the half-moon drop scraper was pulled down through the entire drain to remove any final debris and the two manholes were checked which was just as well as the top manhole was full of debris, and from which a large stone was removed (possibly the cause of the blockage and had been pushed down into the chamber). 

Another group were tasked to the goit itself which needed a good clear out after the recent storms before Christmas and immediately found 3 pieces of red carpet which somebody must have dumped in the goit (it's hard to imagine they were blown in there by the wind!). Having removed all the debris from the goit, the group moved onto Wire Mill Dam for a clear out, but it was frozen solid so will have to wait until another time.

After removing all the rubbish from behind the store on our last session before Christmas, the build-up of soil against the back wall needed tackling to help reduce damp creeping up it. Mike and a team have dug it out and created a channel for water to (hopefully!) flow away. (It may need some gravel infilling and additional work later). The soil which was removed was placed on top of the breedon gravel underneath the railings at the top of the slide and now needs a few plants on it to prevent erosion.

A good first session for 2026! A big thank you to all those who came along.

The next work morning is on Tuesday 27th January. An email will be sent out nearer the time with details.

Lyndon

A Selection of photos from the work morning

Before Christmas 2025 with water flowing around the drain

Charles struggling to unblock the drain with help from John

Charles on the river end - note hardly any water coming out of the drain

Watch out Martin, it's about to come through!

In full flow!

Martin and John pulling the half-moon drop scraper down the drain

Charles removing debris out of the top drain where the large stone was removed

Three pieces of carpet removed from the goit and draining off before removal

Mike, John, Tony and Luke removing soil from behind the store

Removed soil placed on top of the breedon gravel ready for planting