As the weather traditionally begins to warm up around this time of year, the Railway's flower beds are starting to come to life. Avon Riverside, in particular, has a wonderful show of colour with the daffodils we planted earlier in the year.
Unfortunately, the warmer weather also brings on the growth of the plants we don't want to see - weeds. So, once a year we employ contractors to visit the railway and treat the trackbed to stop the weeds growing. Wednesday 6th April was the date set for this year's activity. As the loco crew of Steve Walters and Alan Hireson gathered at the station to prepare the train the heavens opened, temporarily bringing the proceedings to a complete halt. F
ortunately, it didn't last too long and the contractors, Highway Care based in Kent, were able to complete the installation of their equipment in one of our wagons and fill their tanks with water. Then followed a slow but steady trip over the whole length of the line, including for the first time Avon Riverside and its run-round loop.
The sidings at Bitton were not forgotten, nor were the station environment and car park (the latter, of course, being achieved by the use of backpacks!). Just in case anyone is wondering about the dangers of spraying these chemicals on the railway, there is no need to worry at all.
The chemicals used are heavily diluted and cause no harm to wildlife. Highway Care is used by many of the heritage railways in the country (including the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway for the last 25 years) and provide us with all the technical and health and safety paperwork in advance.
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