Young rangers at work on the Malham Cove path

Young rangers at work on the Malham Cove path

National park staff have praised a group of youngsters who helped repair a footpath and make it easier for wheelchair users and families to access a popular beauty spot.

The team of young rangers resurfaced 120m of the route leading to Malham Cove, the 80m limestone crag in the Yorkshire Dales.

Eleven members of the newly formed squad shifted tonnes of aggregate and spread it along the path to help repair damage caused by the pounding of thousands of walkers using it, and by rain and snow over the last couple of years.

National park rangers Cat Kilner and Colin Chick praised the young volunteers, saying the path had become uneven and a deep channel had been worn away down one side, making it difficult to use.

Mr Chick said: “They all worked really hard and did a fantastic job.

“The footpath looks brilliant – as good as new.”

One of the team said: “I really enjoyed repairing the path. I didn’t want to stop but we ran out of stone so I had to.”

After the work was done the volunteers enjoyed a paddle in the beck next to the path.

The young rangers group was formed by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to encourage young people who have an interest in the outdoors by teaching them new skills.

Catherine Kemp, the authority’s outreach officer, said: “We think the group is fantastic. They all work really hard in all weathers and they enjoy themselves at the same time.”

Ian McPherson, the authority’s member champion for promoting understanding, said: “The young rangers group is a great way for its members to learn new skills and for the national park authority to encourage a new generation to develop an awareness and love of this beautiful but fragile landscape.”

The group is open to anyone aged 11 to 16 who lives in the Settle area and it meets every second Saturday of the month to do practical conservation tasks.

Anyone who would like more information should contact Ms Kemp on 01756 751623 or email her.

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