May Update - Weeks 5-6

Underpinning has been moving forward with earnest, it is a fairly slow job as each pin has to be excavated by hand as the digger may have dislodged the unsupported wall. A few pins are causing problems due to large boulders at the base of the walls dropping as the hole expands underneath.

Once the hole is dug and the wooden shuttering is in place on the front, the concrete is poured in and left to set overnight before a firm mix of concrete is used to fill the gap between the pin and the underneath of the wall.

On the fine days and as a break from the backbreaking underpinning, two more footings for the retaining wall were laid with steels in place. Our structural engineer, Clive Hudson, seemed very impressed on his inspection.



We also have some new arrivals, in the form of 4 blackbird chicks, nesting in the barn. Lets hope they have flown before work on the wall starts!