Hurns Gutter
Stripe Lane, Skelton, to Riverside Farm via Rawcliffe Landing
Route 65 to Beningborough Hall turns North from the River Ouse to follow Hurns Gutter upstream across a replica Forth Rail bridge and joins the road at Stripe Lane. The Gutter is a stream that occasionally acts as flood alleviation outlet for the Ouse but the path follows the higher ground and is rarely flooded itself. 
This year's rainfall meant tall rows of comfrey and Himalayan Balsam blocking the path which is now part of the popular "Way of the Roses" coast-to-coast long distance route. Much of our efforts were spent on just keeping the path open. A planned blitz on the Himalayan Balsam by Community Payback was halted at the last minute by the discovery of Giant Hogweed which can cause nasty burns. However we have met with the Environment Agency who will get contractors to eradicate it and possibly help with the Himalayan Balsam next year. Their ecologist was able to point out Tansy plants and we even saw a Tansy beetle so look carefully next time you are there.

 This section also goes through some fine deciduous woodland. There are wildflower verges beyond the 'Forth Bridge' but the waters edges are threatened by Himalayan Balsam .Main tasks include Himalayan Balsam control and the clearance of fallen trees. It seems the 'wet' woodland is of special interest and we are hoping for guidance and support from the Forestry Commission.

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