Wednesday January Steps we created at Grundisburgh
Work Carried Out
2026
On Wednesday 14 th October: Nigel, Tim, David, Jim, Mary and Garry (6) had a successful session doing waymarking and clearing in Parham area, on footpaths 3, 4 and 5 by old railway cutting.
On Wednesday 2nd September: Jim, David, Cathy, Nigel and Tim (5) did a survey of East Green and Honeypot Lane area. We found the main problem to be 2 missing sleeper bridges over ditches on Kelsale 30, which meant that a short section through woodland was not reachable. We found a way around along a field edge, then along Honeypot Lane, returning along Kelsale 31, where we did quite a lot of side growth clearing, although more is needed. Both these problem sections have been reported.
On Wednesday July 22nd: Jim, Nigel, Mary and Tim (4) met in Orford and did a survey of all the newly opened stretch of coast path up to Chillesford. All looked good and well signed, it will be interesting to see how the alternative winter route works out.
On Thursday July 2nd : Rob, Tim, Nigel, David and Jim (5) had a good session. We met at Boyton and did a survey of all the paths between the village and the river. Every path was usable, but quite a bit of locaclised clearing was needed around stiles, bridges and signs. We also found a few waymarkers missing, and one broken roadside post that we re-set. In a couple of places, the walked line is not on the definitive line, but we felt near enouigh to be clear.
We also had a look at part of the newly opened coast path from Hollesley round to Boyton marshes. This follows the old line so was quite clear, it now has some additional KCIIECP waymarkers and has been recently cleared to 2m wide.
On Thursday May 7th: Rob, David, Mary, Jim and Nigel (5) did a survey of the Coastal Path in Dunwich area. We did find some parts around the Abbey area a bit confusing signage wise as SCH path and other signs seemed to contradict, but the actual route is well used, so just some missing signs reported back to SCC.
On Thursday April 2nd: David, Tim, Rob, Nigel, Jim and Garry (6) managed to erect the remaining 8 new WM posts on paths around the golf course.
We also re-set 4 others, added extra arrow discs in several places and even re-set a broken off roadside post.
On Wednesday March 4th : David, Rob, Nigel, Mary, Jim and Tim (6) started the waymarking repairs and replacements on Thorpeness Golf course.
On Thursday February 12th: David, Rob, Nigel and Tim (4) made our final visit to North Green Parham where we successfully installed 4 new waymarker posts, and re-set 2 others.
On Wednesday January 21st: Nigel, Mary, Jim, David and Robert carried out some light clearing in Saxmundham, along the footpath between the Mayflower Green Play Area and Mill Road.
2025
On Thursday December 11th: David, Jim, Nigel and Mary (4) erected 5 new way marker posts in the Glemham area. The ground was very muddy, but at least soft enough to dig holes, so well done to those who turned up.
On Thursday 30th October: Rob, David, Jim and Nigel (4) did some clearing and surveying around Church Common area. We found all the paths in the area to be well signed, and generally quite well used, so no new tasks were found in need of our attention.
On Wednesday 8th October: David, Nigel, Mary, Tim, and Garry (5) completed the waymarking at Mill Green, Parham
On Thursday 18th September: Tim, David, Mary, and Nigel (4) tried to find the way through from Buttons Road, Little Glemham towards Great Glemham Church. There were a lot of problems, most waymarking posts were broken off or missing, no crossfield paths were marked out, and one was blocked with crops. However, with some localised clearing we did find the correct route, including one decent bridge, several usable culverts, and some good paths through Great Glemham wood. All problems have been reported to SCC.
On Wednesday 27th August: Rob, Nigel, David, Jim, Mary, and Tim (6) did light clearing around roadside posts, bridges, and sleeper bridges in the Cransford area, also identifying some possible places where new waymarker posts would be useful, and locations of 2 broken roadside posts, to be reported to SCC.
On Thursday 7th August: Rob, Nigel, David, Jim, Mary, and Tim (6) did light clearing and waymarking in North Green area SE of Framlingham, plus identifying possible places where new waymarker posts would be useful. We also met up with the occupiers of Park Farm, Mill Green, and agreed on a plan for waymarking through the middle of the farm, planned for us to do in early October.
On Wednesday 23rd July: Nigel, Rob, David, Mary, Brian, and Tim (6) returned to Snape Warren for further seat repairs. Recent warm wet weather has meant that bracken in particular has enjoyed rampant growth, so much time was spent clearing back side growth and overhang from the lower part of the path.
On Thursday 26th June: Nigel and Jim (2) did a survey of previously very difficult paths south of Tunstall. They found the paths Tunstall 20 and 18 and Rendlesham 2 and 3 near Bentwaters to be better used and quite passable. They found 2 waymarkers in the undergrowth and cleared round them as well as some other patches of bramble cutting back, so all clear now. Even better than that, they found that SCC had just installed a new 6m bridge on Tunstall 24 / Campsea Ashe 5 in the Rush Ground area. There was some new waymarking and they added more, so with the SCC cleared headland as well this is now a good walking route.
On Wednesday 4th June: David, Jim, Mary, Nigel, Rob, Garry, and Tim (7) met by Benhall church and did a thorough survey of paths to the west of Benhall. We did a lot of localised clearing, particularly around signs and bridges, plus improved the waymarking in some areas. All paths were usable and most in quite reasonable condition.
On Thursday 15th May: Nigel, Mary, David, and Jim (4) met at Rendham to do step repairs on Sweffling FP1 and then we went on to clear the dead tree blocking Benhall FP13.
On Wednesday 23rd April: David, Mary, Rob, Jim, Nigel, Tim (6) + 2 dogs met at Holton to do a survey of the area, including the new White Bridge in Halesworth, part of the old railway track and the river path along to Mells. We found several other newish bridges, and generally all well used paths.
On Thursday 3rd April: David, Jim and Nigel (3) went down to Snape Warren with the intention of repairing the seat at the viewpoint. Unfortunately it was worse than the report picture had shown, with 2 planks completely off and the other 2 very rickety. With utilising an extra post found washed up, we managed to firm up 3 planks, but we will need to go back and do the job more thoroughly later in the summer.
On Wednesday 20th March: Rob, David, Mary, Nigel, Jim, and Garry (6) cleared around the Bridge on Framlingham FP47 and added anti-slip strips. We then surveyed paths to the south west of Framlingham, and found a few signage issues that have been reported to SCC. Otherwise, the paths around SE of Framlingham all seem to be in good condition and generally well used.
On Thursday 13th February: Rob, Nigel, Mary, Jim, David, and Tim (6) did lots of clearing work along Iken Footpath 8, prior to SCC doing some planned revetment.
On Wednesday January 29th Jim, Tim, Brian and Rob (4) met at Snape Warren to carry out clearing on the path to the seat we constructed several years ago and to affix signage discs to some new gates and fences on the way. We also reset a Sailors Path fingerpost. Unfortunately we weren't able to carry out repairs to the seat, so we will schedule another visit to do that.
On Thursday 2nd January: Mike, Nigel, Jim, Rob, Garry, and Tim (6) met just south of Framlingham, where the main task was to re-visit FP 45 round the sewage works. We are pleased to report that despite the recent heavy rains, there is no longer any overflow from the sewage works, the path now remains as dry as can be expected. We did some more clearing work all along this path, both side growth and overhang, so it is now easily walkable.
Unfortunately, we did find a few other problems in the area, which have been reported to SCC.
2024
On Wednesday 20th November: Nigel, Mike, David, Jim, Rob and Tim (6) did more clearing work around bridges, gaps and sleeper bridges and installed 2 more waymarker posts in Otley parish.
On Friday 15th November: Mary, David, Jim, Rob and Garry (5) did a survey update on the other part of our adopted stretch of the East Suffolk Line Station Walks between Bramfield and Halesworth. Generally it was in good order and we were pleased to see all the footbridges between Halesworth and Mells in place, but we added a few waymarks, did some light vegetation clipping and reported two non-reinstated crossfield paths and a missing fingerpost.
On Thursday 31st October: Nigel, Mike, Rob, Jim, David, Garry, Mary, and Tim later (8) did clearing work on paths east of Westhall airfield, and installed 2 waymarker posts on FP14 by Stradbroke Town Farm.
On Tuesday 29th October: Rob, David, Garry, and Jim (4) performed a survey update on part of our adopted stretch of the East Suffolk Line Station Walks between Yoxford and Bramfield. Generally, it was in good order but we added and repositioned a few waymarks, did some light vegetation clipping and reported a non-reinstated crossfield path and a missing fingerpost.
On Wednesday 9th October: Rob, Nigel, Jim and David Installed steps and handrail on Rendham FP5, as well as some light clearing on 2 sleeper bridges, and re-setting 2 waymarker posts on the same path.
On Thursday 5th September: Rob, Nigel, Mike, David, Tim, and Garry did a survey and light clearing around Campsea Ashe. Most paths were quite usable with localised clearing; however, we found several crossfield paths not marked out and a number of roadside signs missing or obstructed, plus an obstructed bridge. All problems have been reported to SCC.
On Thursday 29th August: David, Rob, and Jim (3) did an impromptu session on Aldringham FP 34 behind the House-in-the-Clouds, following a request from SCC to cut back some slumped shrubbery. We followed that up with some work on the damp section of FP43 removing much tree growth that was restricting headroom.
On Wednesday 21st August: Rob, John, Tim, Nigel, Mike, Gary, and Mary (7) did a survey and light clearance work around Marlesford. Most paths were usable, but a lot of signs and waymarkers were damaged or missing, and not all crossfield had been marked out. All problems reported to SCC.
On Thursday 1st August: Mary, Nigel, Jim, Robert, and Gary (5) attempted to clear Aldringham FP55 on the south side of Aldringham Common. However, this time we found it to be so overgrown that we could not find the route. It has been reported to SCC, and if they decide to clear it with contractors in the Autumn, we have offered to continue trying to keep it open in the future, but otherwise we will have to abandon this path. Instead, we did some useful bits of clearance work around the golf course paths to the north side of the common
On Wednesday 10th July: Mary, Mike, Nigel, Jim, David and Robert did a thorough survey of paths north of Rendham. We found all paths usable, but many were overgrown around gates, stiles, sleeper bridges and hedge gaps, so quite a bit of time was spent doing localised clearing work. Also, quite a lot of waymarker posts were damaged or missing. We found one really bad sleeper bridge which only had one plank left, and this was reported to SCC for urgent replacement. All other minor problems have also been reported, and so we may go back in the winter to install more posts.
On Thursday 20th June: Nigel, David, Mary , and Gary (4) did major clearing down to the seat at Snape Warren on Snape FP 18, making a big improvement and clearing a lot of side growth to show the correct line of the path down to the marshes.
On Wednesday 22nd May: Mike, Nigel, Mary, and Garry (4) returned to the steps on Eyke FP 29 on a lovely sunny morning, finished off the clearing, and replaced the handrail on our new steps.
On Thursday 2nd May: Mike, Jim, David, and Mary (4) Did a survey and light clearing of paths to the north side of Otley, including erection of 1 new waymarker post and the resetting of 3 other posts.
On Thursday 11th April: Nigel, Mike, David, Jim, and Garry (5) successfully carried out clearing on Kelsale FP14 and Yoxford FP13 around the bridges, and installed 6 new waymarker posts along these paths.
On Wednesday 13th March: Rob, Mike, Nigel, Jim, and Mary (5) met at Paddy’s house to clean the hand tools, check the inventory, and move to our new storage shed in Saxmundham.
On Sunday 10th March: Mary, Robert, Mike, Nigel, and Tim (5) were joined by 4 local residents to make Melton FP 22 more accessible. Despite some light rain we were able to cut back side growth and overhang sufficiently to make the path usable again, although still very muddy in parts this year. It is hoped that the local people will continue to keep a watch on this path and maintain it sufficiently to keep open without us having to go back and work on it again.
On Wednesday 28th February: Nigel, Robert, Garry, Tim, David, Jim and Mary (7) did a survey of paths south of Rendham and around Sweffling. Several missing waymarker arrows were replaced and 2 posts re-set, but no serious problems, just some light clearing. The paths in this area are well used and generally in quite good condition.
On Thursday 8th February: The working party had to be cancelled due to torrential rain.
On Thursday 25th January: Nigel, Mike, David, Jim, and Rob (5) replaced 8 steps on Eyke FP 9. We ran out of time to replace the handrail as well, so will go back on 22nd May to do that.
On Wednesday 10th January: Nigel, Mike, Rob, David, Jim, Mary and Tim (7) did a survey of paths around Shingle Street, Hollesley. Some light side growth trimming was needed, but all the paths we saw were being well used and were in reasonable condition. It was an enjoyable morning in the sun, and it was agreed to do a few more similar walking sessions during early 2024.
2023
On Thursday 28th December: Nigel, Mike, Rob, Maggie, Tim and Gary (6) returned to the area west of Framlingham, South of Saxtead Green, and completed the waymarking that had been left when the ground was so hard in the summer. The paths are all well used, and so very muddy at this time of year, but at least it made digging fairly easy to do.
On Wednesday 6th December: Mike, Nigel, Jim, David, Mary, and Tim (6) on a lovely sunny winter’s morning repaired and renewed the steps on Peasenhall FP 22, on back road SW of Peasenhall Village. Unfortunately, the floods had disturbed the adjacent sleeper bridge, and only one remained, which we made safe. SCC have been asked to add two more sleepers a.s.a.p.
On Thursday 16th November: Brian, Rob, and Jim (3) finished the clearing working at Snape Warren, down towards our seat.
Wednesday 25th October: postponed due to wet weather and potential flooding risk.
On Thursday 5th October: Tim, Rob, Mary, Nigel, and Mike (5) started clearing work on Snape Warren, mainly in the open access area. Due to the unprecedented amount of growth this year, we were only able to open up a very narrow section of the path down towards ‘our seat’, so afterwards we agreed to return there on 16th November to widen out the path and finish the clearing.
On Wednesday 20th September: Rob, Nigel, Mike, and Jim (4) managed to finish clearing path 55 on the south side of Aldringham Common, a surprisingly warm morning, and none of the rain forecast.
On Thursday 24th August: Jim, Rob, Mary, Nigel, Mike and Tim (6) did some major path clearance work on Aldringham Common. The intense growth and intermittent rain proved to be too much for us to complete the work planned, so we will return there on the next working party to finish off and re-open FP 55.
On Wednesday 2nd August: Mike, Nigel, Jim, Rob and Mary (5) did some major path clearance on Framlingham FP45 around the Sewage works. Unfortunately, one small patch in the middle of the path was overrun by a sewage leak, and although we cleared up to both sides of the blocked path, there was no way to get round the boggy area. We have reported this to Suffolk County Council to sort out the sewage leak problem with Anglian Water, and offered to go back and do more once the matter is resolved.
On Thursday 13th July: Robert, Nigel, Mike, Mark, David, Jim, and Mary (7) did major clearance work to open up Westhall FP14 around the Stradbroke Town Farm area, also some side growth clearance on BR 16. We found the waymarker post broken off at the junction of 14,14A and 15, and it was felt that it would be a good idea to return there in the winter to do more clearance and replace this waymarker post.
On Wednesday 21st June: Nigel, Mike, Jim, and David (4) did waymarking and clearing around bridges and narrow sections west of Framlingham, south of Saxtead Green. The plan is to return here in November to do more waymarking of crossfield paths, once the County Council has got these routes reinstated, and conditions may be more suitable for hole digging.
On Thursday 8th June: Nigel, Mike, Rob, Garry, and Jim built steps near to Leiston Abbey on FP 6. The ground was hard but far from impossible, and we were able to much improve the slopes either side of the sleeper bridge. Possible scope for one or two more steps, when we go back to Leiston FP10
On Wednesday 31st May: Jim, David, Rob, Mary and Garry (5) carried out a survey of the section of the East Suffolk Line Walks route between Yoxford and Bramfield. Again, we installed several waymark discs and did some clearing work where needed. A few other problems, including sidegrowth on crossfield paths, we reported to SCC.
On Wednesday 24th May: Jim, David, Rob, Mary and Garry (5) carried out a survey of the section of the East Suffolk Line Walks route between Bramfield and Halesworth. We installed several waymark discs and did some clearing work where needed. A few other problems we reported to SCC.
On Wednesday 10th May: Nigel, Mike, David, Jim, Mary, and Garry (6) install steps by the ditch on Benhall footpath 6. Being such a surprisingly dry and sunny day, we also had time to check the waymarking in the area opposite the church, where we installed 2 new waymarker posts and re-set another one. We also checked the little used footpath 23, and cleared round all the gateways to make access more obvious and usable.
On Thursday 27th April: Nigel, Mark, Mary, David, Jim, and Garry (6) went to Snape Warren and cleared the path down to the cul-de-sac end of the path onto the marshes. We found the path to be about the best it has been since we started clearing it, certainly more well used now, and we actually met several people on it. Some side and ground clearing, mostly of brambles, was carried out, but not as much was required as previously. We also removed a couple of rotten supports from the rustic bench, and added 5 more new supports in, so that should keep it going for a few more years. Some side and ground clearing, mostly of brambles, was carried out, but not as much was required as previously. We also removed a couple of rotten supports from the rustic bench, and added 5 more new supports in, so that should keep it going for a few more years.
On Wednesday 5th April: Nigel, Mike, Garry, Mary, and Jim returned to Kingfisher Country Park, Cretingham to finish off the waymarking, clearing and widening of the sleeper bridge, plus some steps just beyond the widened sleeper bridge. We have now completed all the work on this site.
On Thursday 16th March: Robert, David, Mary, Jim, Garry, and Mark did a survey of Wantisden area, and found no serious problems, just one damaged waymarker post, so much better than expected.
On Wednesday 22nd February: David and Mike did a survey west of Framlingham, Earl Soham Lane area. They found several crossfield paths that had not been re-instated, and quite a few waymarker posts missing, which we plan to replace later this year.
On Thursday 2nd February: Nigel, Mike, David, Jim, Mary, and initially Robert, did a survey of Friday Street and Eyke. The main expected problem was on Eyke FP9, which had become substantially overgrown, but we got there to find the landowners had almost finished doing a major clearance of the whole track round the edge of the pond. They were happy for us to return later in the year and install some new waymarker posts. We also did some clearance work on the steps to the south of the pond. These are in need of some repair work at the top end, so we hope to return and do this as well, later in the year. Finally we checked a few other paths in the area, and found no other problems.
On Wednesday 18th January: Nigel, Mike, Robert and Mary did a survey of paths in north Friston and Knodishall around Fitches Lane area. We found the paths generally all useable, but a lot of low trees or branches hanging down following winter high winds, causing partial obstructions, all reports to SCC. There were also several waymarker posts missing, damaged or lacking arrows, so these were also reported, and we have offered to go back and do some work there later if SCC agree.