The following section outlines the procedure for surveying and planning the repair of a path. This approach might be useful for a countryside manager or project officer planning the work necessary to repair, for example, a section of eroded path in a popular cliff-side location, or leading from the roadside across an area of peat bog to a hilltop viewpoint. This type of survey is done with the specific aim of planning and costing the work necessary to repair the path.
The person doing the survey and planning the work should preferably be familiar with the site in different seasons and under different levels of use. If not, talk to someone who knows the site well, and at least walk the path once up and down before doing the survey.
Survey equipment
Take the following equipment:
- Clipboard and paper or survey sheets (see below)
- Pen or pencil
- Measuring tape for path width
- Measuring wheel for length, if available
- Metal bar to probe soil depth
- Clinometer, if available
- Camera
Survey procedure
Either from a visual check, or from knowledge of the path, decide on the length of the first section, up to where the condition of the path changes markedly. As the path gradient is usually the most important factor in determining path condition, a change in gradient will usually mark the change in section. Measure the angle of slope of the path, using the clinometer. Using the measuring wheel or by pacing, measure the length of the section. Also measure the average gradient of the slope or ‘cross slope’ (as opposed to the gradient of the path), and the wetness and roughness of the section. Wetness and roughness can be given a value, for example on a scale of 1-5.
Record these on a form as shown, starting at the bottom of the sheet. Two different types of form are shown, either of which may be suitable. Form A includes columns for sketching both the existing path and the recommended work, whereas Form B only includes a column for sketching the existing path. Both include columns for describing the recommended work. These can be given as options, where the best course of action is not immediately obvious. Other factors such as cost will of course need to be taken into account (see below).
On the sketch map, note existing drainage, and in particular any problems such as water flowing down the path. Note the condition of the vegetation, for example whether the sward is broken or absent, or where ‘pigeon holes’ (small steps on grassed slopes) are developing. Note path braiding (the formation of parallel paths). Look out for any material which may be useful for path construction, such as boulders for cross drains, stone for pitching, or material suitable for path surfacing, and mark their location on the sketch map.
Note points where vehicle access is possible. Neighbouring landowners may give permission for access across their land.
Continue along the path, noting the details of each section. Don’t worry about trying to keep the sketch map to scale, as long as the distances are carefully noted. Continue on further sheets as necessary. Note location and direction from where any photographs are taken.
Planning the project
Back at the office, the information can be transferred to fresh forms as necessary. From this information, decisions can be made about the following:
- the practical options available for each section
- sources of material, transport and access
- the cost of materials for any options for each section
- the cost of labour for any options for each section
- the phasing of the work. It may be advisable, for example, to do some drainage work immediately, and then follow on with surfacing or revegetation work at a later date. On the other hand, sections or types of work are often interdependent. For example excess material from drainage works in one section may be used for surfacing another. There are also the economies of scale, in transport, labour and materials, in doing as much work as possible ‘at one go’.
With experience in planning and costing work, the discussion of various options will become less necessary. The detailed condition surveys of the type described here are designed with sufficient criteria that the best option is selected by the results of the survey.
Note that when the work is on a public right of way, it is important that the line of the right of way is followed. Investigation of the Definitive map may show that the line on the ground does not follow the definitive route. Discrepancies should be referred to the Highway Authority.
Work plans
Once the work has been decided upon, work plans can be drawn up, detailing the work required for each section. These can be done on a similar form to those described above. Separate construction details of particular features should be included as necessary.
Make sure the instructions are easy to follow, and protect them in plastic folders for use in the field.
The following sections give further information on measuring slopes and levels of use on paths.
