Harking back to bygone era with Startforth wood eco-project

ACCESS to a Teesdale beauty spot is being improved thanks to the work of a dales pony.
Renowned logger Charlie Parker and his dales pony Roandale Rock are helping to build a new footbridge to link footpaths in Deepdale Wood, Startforth.
The area is an ancient semi-natural woodland enjoyed by the community and a valuable resource for local wildlife.
In the recent past, Durham Wildlife Trust and volunteers have been working with the woodland’s owner, John Durkin Ecology, to improve access for residents  and to improve its habitat for wildlife.
This work has been made possible thanks to funding from Teesdale Action Partnership.
The volunteers installed a footbridge across Ray Gill to link footpaths and create an additional route for visitors.
Two six metre-long telegraph poles were brought across the woodland and onto the work site by Mr Parker and Roadale Rock, affectionately known as Rocky.
Dales ponies are one of the UK’s native breeds, recognised as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Working with them is a traditional skill rarely seen these days, yet an important part of the Dales pony heritage – one Mr Parker strives to keep alive.
He said: “Dales ponies are very versatile, willing, surefooted and very strong for their size. They’re one of the best native breeds in the country.”
Once the telegraph poles were in situ, the project’s volunteers began the task of
constructing the footbridge, carefully measuring and checking as they carried out their work. Lengths of timber were nailed in place to make a strong and stable footbridge.
Craig Morgan, from Teesdale Action Partnership, said: “It’s great to see the volunteers so actively involved in the woodland management and very encouraging to see the level of support and commitment from the landowner.”
Mr  Durkin added: “The management objectives are to improve the wood for wildlife and to improve the wood for the enjoyment of people.
“We’re very grateful to Teesdale Action Partnership for funding the project and to Durham Wildlife Trust for their expertise and for co-ordinating the volunteers so well.”
Access to the wood is actively promoted and encouraged, the entrance to Deepdale Wood is on Lartington Lane, next to the bridge over Deepdale Beck.
Anyone interested in getting involved in conservation volunteering can contact  Durham Wildlife Trust by email volunteer@durhamwt.
co.uk or phone 0191 584 3112.