Construction of kissing gates at Dovers Hill for the National Trust
Leader Rob
Dovers Hill is a
National Trust site situated at the northeast tip of Gloucestershire
near Chipping Campden.
It is home to the Cotswold Olympiks, a local variation of the better known international event. This was the first time the GVCV has worked at this location. Ten volunteers made the sojourn to this scenic part of the Cotswold escarpment.
Martin Jones, National Trust Warden for the North Cotswolds gave a brief overview of the site before explaining the work for the day. This involved the installation of two kissing gates, replacing two existing stiles, so as to make access across the site easier for the many visitors that visit the hill every year.
We split up into
two groups of five, unfortunately15 minutes walk apart, and commenced
work. The first task was to take down the existing stiles. Care
was taken at the start to position the hanging post for the gate
correctly as this is fundamental in positioning the remaining
three posts. The next step was hanging the gate to ensure it
shuts and in the proper place! By lunchtime both groups had made
good progress.
Unfortunately tree roots slowed progress down in the afternoon for the group working at the top of the hill. However, reinforcements arrived from the group working at the bottom of the slope who completed their gate in reasonable time. Because there was stock in the field, we couldn't go home until both gates were finished and completely stockproof. Hence netting was put up on either side of both gates as well.
We eventually finished at 6pm which was slightly later than usual. It was a particularly satisfying task as we were doing something constructive that would enhance enjoyment of the site for visitors for many years to come. It also allowed volunteers to develop new skills and gain a sense of achievement from a job well done.
