Huge airlift to complete path

The helicopter made 510 trips

A helicopter has been used to help complete the final few metres of a £200,000 mountain path in mid Wales.

It transported 440 tons of stone and slabs, making more than 500 trips during a four-day operation to finish the last phase of the Source of the Severn footpath.

The machine was drafted in to minimise disturbance to the highly sensitive terrain on the Plynlimon ranges.

It was the first time a helicopter had been used on such a project.

Co-ordinated by the Forestry Commission, the material was flown from Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes, to Plynlimon near Aberystwyth.

This is one of the most spectacular areas to be seen anywhere, but that in itself brought its own challenges Adrian Davies, the Forestry Commission

Work on the route along the 210-mile Severn Way, Britain's longest riverside walk, to the source of Wales's longest river, the Severn, began in September.

The Forestry Commission's upland footpath works manager, Adrian Davies, said: "This is the first time that we have used a helicopter for anything like this in the district.

"Completion of the footpath will enable visitors to appreciate this beautiful area and provide an important boost to the local economy and the mid Wales tourist industry as a whole.

WHAT THE AIRLIFT CARRIED 130 tonnes of slabs 220 tonnes of aggregate stones 90 tonnes of block stone

"This is one of the most spectacular areas to be seen anywhere, but that in itself brought its own challenges as we try to build a footpath which has the minimum amount of impact on the environment while still providing a wonderful walking experience. "

The helicopter transported 440 tons of stone

Material for the 1,185 metres path, from the upper edge of Hafren Forest to the Source of the Severn, was carried through the air in special skips and self-emptying cages.

The airlift, which ended last Saturday, was prevented from taking place during the bird-nesting season from 31 March to 15 July because of the rare species in the area, such as the peregrine falcon, red kite, hen harrier, kestrel and buzzard.

"A great deal of planning has gone into this project that will produce a much improved start/finish to the Severn Way," said Ginny Cooke, recreational trails officer with Powys County Council, which is a partner in the project.

"It is good to see all the partners working together to produce a sustainable, environmentally friendly result that should be enjoyed by local people and visitors alike."