02/01/2023
Our final project of 2022 was a bit of an undertaking to say the least. The brief from the customer was ‘simply’ to create a space on top of their chalk bank with access that would provide more useable space and give great views over Butser Hill.
In reality, the task ahead was a lot more complex. After several site visits, we knew where the starting point was and also where we wanted to end but the middle was a little bit of guess work.
The access to and from the front drive was tight, windy, steep and slippery, therefore it was impossible for any grab lorries or skips to be used. No chance of deliveries either!
Luckily enough the customers placed their trust in us that we could complete their project and deal with the logistics nightmare!
We knew that terracing the chalk bank was the only option in order to get to the area that the deck/viewing platform would be situated. Any machinery was out of the question as deemed to dangerous so digging by hand was the only solution.
After each retaining wall was constructed, the bank was dug and back filled, levelled and we went again. Repeating the process including a central set of steps to the first and second levels and also steps sweeping left and right leading to the viewing platform which was nearly 6 meters up from ground level!
311 oak sleepers, 2500 specialist timber locks, 10 tonnes of ballast and 50 bags of cement were used. Over 50 tonnes of chalk excavated and moved by hand. A few falls and slides, a few cuts and bruises but a massive sense of pride an achievement.
25 days was the goal. Mother Nature threw everything at us. 26 days from start to finish was the journey. Only the planting left to complete in the spring.
Our team as always were just immense. Alex, Chris T, Jack, Joe and Paul were the core of this project. Not much to say other than thank you and you should be super proud!
