News
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 12th February 2020
When we arrived on site today we were greeted by the sound of chain saws and heavy machinery operating in the wood near the tucking mill. This turned out to be contractors employed by RHS Rosemoor to fell trees along the former towpath. This is all part of RHS Rosemoor's project to create a woodland walk which will eventually link the gardens with the canal basin. We were impressed with the progress made by the contractors over the course of the morning and witnessed half a dozen trees come down (they informed us they are clearing approximately 100 metres per day). This has opened up the area around the canal and gives an indication of what the walk will look like when the work is completed.
When we arrived on site today we were greeted by the sound of chain saws and heavy machinery operating in the wood near the tucking mill. This turned out to be contractors employed by RHS Rosemoor to fell trees along the former towpath. This is all part of RHS Rosemoor's project to create a woodland walk which will eventually link the gardens with the canal basin. We were impressed with the progress made by the contractors over the course of the morning and witnessed half a dozen trees come down (they informed us they are clearing approximately 100 metres per day). This has opened up the area around the canal and gives an indication of what the walk will look like when the work is completed.
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We continued to repair the wall above the south arch of the lime kiln which is nearing completion. Particular attention has been paid to the corners of the structure to ensure that these are properly stabilised. The ready availability of good stone has allowed this work to proceed rapidly.
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Two members of the team carried on with the excavation of the tucking mill concentrating on the southern section of wall which we have exposed. Unfortunately, there is a large tree growing at the end of the wall whose roots are interfering with this work but it now looks as if the wall returns towards the canal and is in line with the interesting feature in the canal wall which we uncovered last year which may have been some sort of channel feeding water into the tucking mill (see report 5.8.2019). |
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Generally, working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 5th February 2020
We arrived on site in thick mist this week which gave a very atmospheric feel to the canal basin. Thankfully, the mist soon burned off and we enjoyed excellent working conditions for the rest of the day.
We arrived on site in thick mist this week which gave a very atmospheric feel to the canal basin. Thankfully, the mist soon burned off and we enjoyed excellent working conditions for the rest of the day.
The rebuild of the south wall of the lime kiln continues apace with a further two courses of stone laid during the morning. As can be seen from the photos, we are trying to replicate the curve of the arch which originally would have housed the fifth 'pot'. We estimate that the re-build should be completed in the next two weeks. Ideally, we would also like to undertake repairs to other parts of the lime kiln where the structure is badly damaged and will deteriorate unless remedial action is taken.
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Now that we have found a rich source of good quality building stone this may be feasible but the scale of the task is formidable and a project of this nature would require careful planning and risk management.
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We were very pleased to have a visit from Martin Watts from the Industrial Archaeological section of the Devon Archaeological Association. Martin is an expert on water mills generally and was keen to have a look at the work we have done on the tucking mill. Martin has kindly offered to provide us with input into the excavation and restoration of the site. His knowledge will be very useful in helping us to gain a better understanding of how the mill operated.
Generally, working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.