A new seat on the Leicestershire Round at Punch Bowl Covert near Little Dalby was welcomed by a group of LFA members and friends recently. The seat has been donated by Jim Mason who was present to witness the celebration. Installed on the Little Dalby Estate of the Ernest Cook Trust land we are indebted to their support and consent for the installation.
Cutting the ribbon
The seat offers a good view north over Little Dalby and on towards Waltham mast. In the lee of a steep clay bank which was difficult to climb in wet weather, this was much improved when Leicestershire County Council constructed steps and the seat offers a chance to rest before heading up towards Somerby.
Jim Mason did much of the initial work of stiles, bridges and waymarking of the Leicestershire Round and will happily tell tales of the task which involved tracking down landowners to agree work and access. He would then load up his small car with materials before driving over fields to reach a long forgotten boundary crossing. Occasionally it went wrong and the car got stuck!
The pictures below offer a flavour of the celebration.
Jim on his seat
Before the steps and seat
The welcome steps
Eric the clown
A helping hand
There are two other seats on the Leicestershire Round, both were installed by Jim. They are at Fearn Farm Hallaton and Smeeton Hill between Gumley and Saddington. We would like to install more. If you can help please contact the secretary.