Re-hanging a 5 bar gate beside a stile which was to be replaced with a kissing gate for the National Trust
Leader Rob
On our second visit to the National Trust site of Dovers Hill, seven volunteers gave up their Sunday and the world cup to improve access at this popular beauty spot. The weather was warm and sunny which always adds to the pleasure of outdoor work. Judging by accents we heard during the day the location is popular with both locals and visitors from across the Atlantic alike.
Work consisted of re-hanging a 5 bar gate, alongside a stile which was to be replaced with a kissing gate. The work was carried out under the expert guidance of Martin the National Trust warden. There was a slight logistical challenge as we could only start on the kissing gate once the 5 bar gate was back in place. Getting the existing hanging post out proved to be difficult but eventually it yielded under extreme pressure from a crow bar. Meanwhile the old stile and marker post were dismantled and a new hanging post for the kissing gate put in.
After a well-earned lunch break work progressed on the kissing gate as well as repairs to some of the existing fencing. A steady stream of positive comments from visitors gave us a sense that the finished article would be well used and appreciated. It was a long day, finishing at around half past six, but everyone went away feeling satisfied with the end result. Hopefully, we will be returning to the site in the early autumn, watch this space.