A few intrepid, but socially distancing souls met at Postbridge to try the many times abandoned ‘Peat Restoration works’ walk. I think this was about the 5th attempt! We set off on a lovely sunny and warm day with a pleasant cooling breeze after first admiring the now completed – externally – Visitor Centre extension. Down the drift lane and out on to the open Moor, over Braddon lake. Then a continuous up over Broad Down. It seems a fairly gentle slope but, my, it does go on, and on and on!!!!!
We knew we were approaching Flat Tor Pan due to the squelch. A cuppa was taken whilst sitting, socially distanced, on some dryish hummocks around the recently created pools and damns with a fine view over the blanket bog. Our leader attempted to impart some interesting (?) facts about peat, peat restoration, carbon capture, water retention etc until reminded that we hadn’t signed up for home schooling for a reason!!
Off then round the far side of the Pan to view the fenced off monitoring stations and probably right past where the Sea Vixen crashed in 1961 (or was it 1965?) which had been mentioned but as no one could remember exactly where it was we didn’t look!
On, via Sandy Hole pass, to the Waterfall for a picnic – for those who had thought to bring one – and a dig into the iron rations in the bottom of the rucksack for others (note to self – remember next time to bring lunch if the pubs are still not open). Then back across the Down to the cars – and a quick peek into the refurbished centre and an encouraging word to the builders who are in the process of refurbishing the toilets.
I think we all concluded that the restoration of the peat bog was working very well, feet wet all round, and it may be an area to avoid in future!
It was lovely to meet up with some not seen for a while, especially Misty, who seemed very happy to see us and obviously hasn’t taken onboard the 2m rule!. Hopefully we will all be able to get together again soon.