Field access: challenge accepted!
Our house backs onto a field which has a perimeter fence topped with barbed wire to keep the livestock in (sheep, lambs, cows).
I can get over the fence (with extreme care!), but Dawn’s not as able – and it’s really awkward to get tools into the field for cutting the hedge, mending fence etc.
I decided we need a stile into the field.
In order to avoid having to dig up the field, I’m going to use a sort of cantilever stepping board, pushed through the fence for field access.
Junk from the hedge
When we moved in, it looked like the previous owners had been using the hedgerow as a dumping ground for years .
We later found out it actually just the debris from various attempts to shore up the fence vs the livestock.
Our neighbour told us that cattle had broken in a few years back and wrecked a bunch of gardens.
We’ve had a few lambs manage to get in over the years, but current defences seem to be holding.
I should state here that I’ve never done anything like this before, the auger arrived this morning, and I’ve watched a bunch of ‘how-tos’ on Youtube. 😉
I started by clearing out the old bits and pieces of metal from the hedge, which has been used as janky fencing over the years.
60cm, thereabouts
I decided to use a 100mm / 2.4m post as the main support and that meant a roughly 30cm wide, 60cm deep hole (according to the interwebs), then postcrete.
messy, but solid.
When the hole was ready, I put a small layer of stones in the bottom and made sure everything was stamped down with an old bit of timber.
I put the post in and managed to wedge it in place with some sticks and stones – leaving plenty of space for the mix to go in.
I filled the hole halfway with water, added the postcrete – 2.5 20kg bags, and crossed my digits!
I checked with the handy wee post spirit level, and had some lunch; when I came back the post was nice and solid.
getting there..
Next, I dug a smaller hole for the back leg – wanted to make sure I didn’t compromise the first post, so I made sure it was far enough away.
With hindsight, it’s probably a bit further away than i would have liked, but I’m happy enough.
Cutting 100mm fence posts by hand was a chore, but both bits are now measured up, and cut.
I’ve put the end which was pre-treated into the hole, again, made a bed of small rocks at the bottom and tamped it all down; finally added water and postcrete and it’s setting nicely.
love the auger
I’ve treated the cut ends of the leg and the main support with a wood preserver, need to let it dry overnight.
Almost done 🙂
A special mention for the auger i bought – well impressed, it’s only 100mm diameter, but I found this about right for my purposes/strength.
I think the larger 150mm size would work well too, but I can’t see me needing to make holes that big again soon, so I’m pleased with the smaller version.
Hopefully I’ll be able to use the auger for some drainage plans i have for the main garden.
