March News
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 25th March 2019
A glorious day for our working party this week with plenty of Spring sunshine. As a consequence, the site is drying out nicely. The water level in the canal has fallen slightly since last week and a colonies of floating pondweed have started to appear in the basin. This is something we will have to keep an eye on.
We have decided to suspend the cutting of stone for the southern archway in the lime kiln as this is producing excessive and unhealthy quantities of dust. RHS Rosemoor have kindly offered to cut stone for us using their water-damped cutter and our masons have provided them with the required measurements. This team therefore spent the day building up the external foundation walls of the kiln.
A glorious day for our working party this week with plenty of Spring sunshine. As a consequence, the site is drying out nicely. The water level in the canal has fallen slightly since last week and a colonies of floating pondweed have started to appear in the basin. This is something we will have to keep an eye on.
We have decided to suspend the cutting of stone for the southern archway in the lime kiln as this is producing excessive and unhealthy quantities of dust. RHS Rosemoor have kindly offered to cut stone for us using their water-damped cutter and our masons have provided them with the required measurements. This team therefore spent the day building up the external foundation walls of the kiln.
A second team continued to clear saplings and vegetation from the towpath above the tucking mill. Sadly, there a great many mature trees growing out of the towpath which are beyond our resources so we have marked these for felling. RHS Rosemoor have offered to do this work as part of their general woodland management of the area. There are also a great many fallen trees in the canal itself which we hope to have removed. We managed to cut down a lot of young saplings and remove dead wood over an 800 meter stretch of the towpath eventually finishing at the deer fence across the canal. The long term plan is to open up the towpath up to create a canalside walk which will form a part of Rosemoor's woodland extension but clearly this will be a major project.
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.
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.
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RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 20th March 2019
This week, at the request of Chris Hassall, the team spent a morning at Ridd clearing vegetation around the inclined plane and the old engine house. Fortunately, the area was not too overgrown, thanks in part to the clearing we carried out last year and to the fact that fresh growth has not yet become established. However, there were plenty of brambles to deal with and a number of saplings growing out of the bank above the engine house which we cut back. Vegetation around the path to the rear of the engine house and the inclined plane was also was cleared. The whole area is now looking really tidy although a further working party will probably be required later in the year to keep the vegetation under control.
This week, at the request of Chris Hassall, the team spent a morning at Ridd clearing vegetation around the inclined plane and the old engine house. Fortunately, the area was not too overgrown, thanks in part to the clearing we carried out last year and to the fact that fresh growth has not yet become established. However, there were plenty of brambles to deal with and a number of saplings growing out of the bank above the engine house which we cut back. Vegetation around the path to the rear of the engine house and the inclined plane was also was cleared. The whole area is now looking really tidy although a further working party will probably be required later in the year to keep the vegetation under control.
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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.
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 13th March 2019
As a result of recent heavy rain, the water level in the canal basin has risen considerably and is currently only a few inches below the lip of the spillway. It makes for an impressive sight!
As a result of recent heavy rain, the water level in the canal basin has risen considerably and is currently only a few inches below the lip of the spillway. It makes for an impressive sight!
For the last three weeks our focus has remained on repairing and restoring the lime kiln. Good progress has been made on the southern arch with stones now laid at either end of the structure. This work is slow and painstaking as the stones have to be cut precisely to size to fit the vacant recesses. RHS Rosemoor have generously provided a supply of stone which is surplus to their requirements and have offered to cut this for us which will be very helpful.
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We also completed the repair of the south western corner of the lime kiln – at least as far as we can go. To carry out further reconstruction at a higher level will require scaffolding. We have tried to replicate the curve at the top of the wall which would originally have been the beginning the archway which enclosed the final 'pot'.
Other members of the team successfully removed a holly tree growing out of the tow path above the tucking mill and, of course, there was the ongoing search for more good quality faced stone to enable us to carry out further repairs to the lime kiln.
Next week we will be working at Ridd to clear vegetation around the inclined plane. Please meet at Annery Kiln at 9.30 am.
Other members of the team successfully removed a holly tree growing out of the tow path above the tucking mill and, of course, there was the ongoing search for more good quality faced stone to enable us to carry out further repairs to the lime kiln.
Next week we will be working at Ridd to clear vegetation around the inclined plane. Please meet at Annery Kiln at 9.30 am.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 20th February 2019
We were almost back up to full strength this week so were able to work on several discrete areas of the site.
One team concentrated on the restoration of the southern archway of the lime kiln. The wooden framework has been completed and the first stones were laid in place. This is no easy task as the law of gravity tends to work in opposition to the process of construction! In addition, we are having to cut the stones to size to ensure that they precisely fit the recesses – a time-consuming job but it is important that we get this right.
Elsewhere, we continued to rebuild and stabilise the south-western corner of the lime kiln and to repair the walls. It is only on close inspection that we are beginning to realise the poor condition of the stonework in places. Many stones are loose and much of the original lime mortar has been eroded or degraded and has to be raked out before repointing can take place. However, we are making progress.
Further excavation of the foundation walls was also carried out. RHS Rosemoor have started to remove the topsoil from this area which will allow us to gradually extend the excavation to its junction with the end wall of the lime kiln. This will ultimately reveal the full extent of the building.
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.
We were almost back up to full strength this week so were able to work on several discrete areas of the site.
One team concentrated on the restoration of the southern archway of the lime kiln. The wooden framework has been completed and the first stones were laid in place. This is no easy task as the law of gravity tends to work in opposition to the process of construction! In addition, we are having to cut the stones to size to ensure that they precisely fit the recesses – a time-consuming job but it is important that we get this right.
Elsewhere, we continued to rebuild and stabilise the south-western corner of the lime kiln and to repair the walls. It is only on close inspection that we are beginning to realise the poor condition of the stonework in places. Many stones are loose and much of the original lime mortar has been eroded or degraded and has to be raked out before repointing can take place. However, we are making progress.
Further excavation of the foundation walls was also carried out. RHS Rosemoor have started to remove the topsoil from this area which will allow us to gradually extend the excavation to its junction with the end wall of the lime kiln. This will ultimately reveal the full extent of the building.
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.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 11th February 2019
We were short on numbers this week so decided to concentrate our efforts on the lime kiln and its associated structure.
The south-west corner of the lime kiln is in a poor state of repair with many stones missing. We have planned for some time to rebuild this in order to stabilise the stonework and prevent further weather damage. This work requires good quality faced stone so one member of the team volunteered to forage for further supplies. Fortunately, there is still a quantity of stone to be had from the remains of the former tucking mill. Admittedly, this is an area where we hope to carry out some restoration in the future, but we feel the urgency of the remedial work to the lime kiln should take precedence. This stone will also be used to repair the archway on the south wall. We also made a start on repointing the stonework on the west wall where much of the old mortar has been eroded and washed out.
Elsewhere, further excavation was carried out on the outer foundation wall of the kiln. It seems this extends to the southern end of the kiln which would be consistent with old photos of the site. RHS Rosemoor intend to remove the piles of top soil and clay this week which will enable us to continue excavating this area.
Footnote: our two robins appear to be co-existing happily and appear as soon as we are on site in anticipation of food!
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.
We were short on numbers this week so decided to concentrate our efforts on the lime kiln and its associated structure.
The south-west corner of the lime kiln is in a poor state of repair with many stones missing. We have planned for some time to rebuild this in order to stabilise the stonework and prevent further weather damage. This work requires good quality faced stone so one member of the team volunteered to forage for further supplies. Fortunately, there is still a quantity of stone to be had from the remains of the former tucking mill. Admittedly, this is an area where we hope to carry out some restoration in the future, but we feel the urgency of the remedial work to the lime kiln should take precedence. This stone will also be used to repair the archway on the south wall. We also made a start on repointing the stonework on the west wall where much of the old mortar has been eroded and washed out.
Elsewhere, further excavation was carried out on the outer foundation wall of the kiln. It seems this extends to the southern end of the kiln which would be consistent with old photos of the site. RHS Rosemoor intend to remove the piles of top soil and clay this week which will enable us to continue excavating this area.
Footnote: our two robins appear to be co-existing happily and appear as soon as we are on site in anticipation of food!
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.
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GUIDED WALKS PROGRAMME FOR SUMMER 2019
Here's a list of our guided walks for this year. More information can be found in our
Guided Walks section.
Sunday 12th May Annery Kiln to Ridd Inclined Plane
Sunday 16th June Rosemoor: 'The Dark Weir' Canal Basin and Lime Kilns
Sunday 14th July Taddiport / Torrington Commons
Sunday 18th August Sea Lock and Canal Museum
Here's a list of our guided walks for this year. More information can be found in our
Guided Walks section.
Sunday 12th May Annery Kiln to Ridd Inclined Plane
Sunday 16th June Rosemoor: 'The Dark Weir' Canal Basin and Lime Kilns
Sunday 14th July Taddiport / Torrington Commons
Sunday 18th August Sea Lock and Canal Museum
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 6th February 2019
We had enough volunteers to form two working parties this week.
The first team concentrated on erecting the wooden former for the reconstruction of the arch on the southern wall of the lime kiln. The former had been ably prefabricated by Brian Walters beforehand and was fixed in place with supports to provide the stonemasons with a working platform. Finding good quality stone on site is a challenge now but determined foraging yielded some decent pieces which we hope to cut to the required size for the arch stones.
We had enough volunteers to form two working parties this week.
The first team concentrated on erecting the wooden former for the reconstruction of the arch on the southern wall of the lime kiln. The former had been ably prefabricated by Brian Walters beforehand and was fixed in place with supports to provide the stonemasons with a working platform. Finding good quality stone on site is a challenge now but determined foraging yielded some decent pieces which we hope to cut to the required size for the arch stones.
The second team took on the more physically demanding task of breaking up the deposit of concrete adjacent to the foundation wall of the lime kiln. There seems to be no clear reason for this deposit which is unsightly and obscures the line of the wall. Breaking it up proved to be a harder job than we envisaged but, eventually – by using an angle grinder to make cuts in the surface - we were able to break up the deposit with pick axe and bar. RHS Rosemoor intend to clear the top soil and clay from the site next week which will allow us to further excavate the line of this foundation wall and build it up to match the northern foundation completed previously.
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.
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.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 30th January 2019
Wintry conditions and a depleted team of volunteers meant that we could only make limited progress this week.
Now that much of the work on the canal basin itself has been completed, we want to spend some time carrying out repairs to the fabric of the lime kiln. The stonework, particularly on some of the corners is in poor condition and needs urgent attention. We have also decided to repair the southern arch of the kiln. To do this, we will erect a wooden frame to support the new stonework. This task could be quite challenging but we feel it is worth spending some time on this to get it right as it will be a highly visible aspect of the kiln when the site is open to the public.
Elsewhere, work continued on re-building wall foundations and digging a channel to drain water from the 'pit' adjacent to the lime kiln. There is a substantial deposit of clay here which retains rainwater very effectively. This needs to be drained before the area can be infilled with topsoil and landscaped.
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.
Wintry conditions and a depleted team of volunteers meant that we could only make limited progress this week.
Now that much of the work on the canal basin itself has been completed, we want to spend some time carrying out repairs to the fabric of the lime kiln. The stonework, particularly on some of the corners is in poor condition and needs urgent attention. We have also decided to repair the southern arch of the kiln. To do this, we will erect a wooden frame to support the new stonework. This task could be quite challenging but we feel it is worth spending some time on this to get it right as it will be a highly visible aspect of the kiln when the site is open to the public.
Elsewhere, work continued on re-building wall foundations and digging a channel to drain water from the 'pit' adjacent to the lime kiln. There is a substantial deposit of clay here which retains rainwater very effectively. This needs to be drained before the area can be infilled with topsoil and landscaped.
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.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 23rd January 2019
Progress was made in a number of areas this week.
One team continued to remove earth from behind the wall of the lime kiln chamber. This revealed a mass of rubble and stone which we think may be the remains of the demolished tower. The good stone was separated for future use and the spoil deposited along the edge of the canalside path for support. The excavation revealed more of the rear wall of the chamber which seems to extend further into the bank and may well be the base of the tower itself. As noted in last week's report, there is a limit to what we can achieve here as there are many tons of earth to be removed which would require the use of heavy machinery.
Progress was made in a number of areas this week.
One team continued to remove earth from behind the wall of the lime kiln chamber. This revealed a mass of rubble and stone which we think may be the remains of the demolished tower. The good stone was separated for future use and the spoil deposited along the edge of the canalside path for support. The excavation revealed more of the rear wall of the chamber which seems to extend further into the bank and may well be the base of the tower itself. As noted in last week's report, there is a limit to what we can achieve here as there are many tons of earth to be removed which would require the use of heavy machinery.
While working in this area, we also repaired and restored the outer wall of the chamber which fronts the canal. Elsewhere, work continued to build up the foundation walls to define the original layout of the site.
At lunchtime, we were surprised to see that our resident robin had been joined by a second. This is unusual as robins are generally very territorial. For the moment, they seem to be co-existing harmoniously but we will see how the relationship develops in future weeks!
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.
At lunchtime, we were surprised to see that our resident robin had been joined by a second. This is unusual as robins are generally very territorial. For the moment, they seem to be co-existing harmoniously but we will see how the relationship develops in future weeks!
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.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 16th January 2019
This week we worked on two separate areas of the site. One team continued to excavate earth from behind the chamber we uncovered last year. There appears to be a wall here which runs back at 90° to the rear wall into the earth bank and we believe this might be part of the tower. Removing the remaining earth would be a huge undertaking and may not be feasible for our small team of volunteers. However, this is a fascinating part of the original structure which merits further attention. Spoil removed from the excavation was used to support the back of the canalside path.
This week we worked on two separate areas of the site. One team continued to excavate earth from behind the chamber we uncovered last year. There appears to be a wall here which runs back at 90° to the rear wall into the earth bank and we believe this might be part of the tower. Removing the remaining earth would be a huge undertaking and may not be feasible for our small team of volunteers. However, this is a fascinating part of the original structure which merits further attention. Spoil removed from the excavation was used to support the back of the canalside path.
The second team worked on building up the foundation of the section of external wall which we commenced at the end of last year. This was then topped off with rough stone and will provide a good indication of the layout of the original structure. We hope that RHS Rosemoor will be back on site soon to finish levelling this area and to put down a layer of topsoil which will allow for grassing/hedging etc. as part of the final design of the site.
There is a large deposit of clay adjacent to the lime kiln wall beneath which there appears to be the remains of a wooden floor. It would be extremely difficult to excavate this area fully given the extent of the clay deposit so the floor will have to be re-buried in due course. We have, however, taken photographs for our archive.
There is a large deposit of clay adjacent to the lime kiln wall beneath which there appears to be the remains of a wooden floor. It would be extremely difficult to excavate this area fully given the extent of the clay deposit so the floor will have to be re-buried in due course. We have, however, taken photographs for our archive.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM MICHAEL ELLIOTT - 2nd January 2019
A better than expected turnout arrived to admire the results of the work of the previous year. There is quite a contrast from just a year before.
A better than expected turnout arrived to admire the results of the work of the previous year. There is quite a contrast from just a year before.
The water level, stretching along the whole length, had obviously been up to the top of the spillway during the wetter weather earlier in the holiday period. The team then set to work mixing mortar, tidying up the end of the path, on re-establishing the outline of the former limekiln structure, and digging out the walls of the far chamber.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT FROM TONY NICHOLLS - 17th December 2018
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For our final session of 2018 we were blessed with good weather – a dry day with wintry sunshine which meant we were able to make progress on a number of fronts.
Our first priority was to release the shuttering from last week's casting and point this in. This took some time as the canal bed was very soggy after the recent heavy rain but the work was completed without too much difficulty. The finished length of casting looks really impressive. Once the stonework has 'weathered in', the structure should look and feel quite authentic. RHS Rosemoor had provided a mini excavator and driver as promised and he was quickly put to work scraping off the topsoil in front of the lime kiln. It soon became apparent that there was a greater depth of clay here than we had anticipated and several tons were removed. As this is useful material, we will store it for potential future use. The excavation revealed what appears to be a wooden floor although there is a possibility that this is the remains of the original wooden doors from one of the arch ways which were removed and deposited here when the kiln was being dismantled. Further excavation may throw more light on this. Elsewhere, further repairs were carried out to the lime kiln wall and footings were poured for rebuilding the outline foundations of the kiln walls. Finally, we closed the flap valve at the upper sluice to allow the basin to fill with water. - something we have all been looking forward to! During the short time we were on site, the water level rose by about a foot so we expect the basin to fill quickly. It will be fascinating to see it properly 'in water' and looking once more like a working canal. This was a satisfying note on which to end 2018 – a year in which a great deal has been achieved. |
GUIDED WALKS
The list of Rolle Canal Society walks for 2019 will be available soon.
SEA LOCK
Amazing things have been happening at Sea Lock, with nearly 200 years worth of mud and silt being cleared from the basin. A full report will follow soon....