The Problem:
The route (in red) from my house to the main yard takes longer than it should.
Distance: 421m
Proposed Solution:
To build a rudimentary bridge over the river between the field and the farm to greatly reduce the time it takes to walk to the yard, making the new route:
Distance: 254m
My aim is to complete this project with only material and equipment readily available in a short amount of time with a small budget.
Firstly, using a strimmer and an axe, I created a hole in the ditch at either side of a narrow area of the river, and attached ropes to make it easier to get across and back.
I had two abandoned ESB poles on the farm, when measured, they are both long enough to cover the width of the river with enough room at either side.
After manoeuvring it into place by hard, I tied a strong rope from one tree, over a high branch and onto the pole to give support while pushing it across with the tractor.
Then getting the second pole in place in a similar way:
After lifting them both onto a stable bed of rocks to reduce wet rot, I then removed any trip hazards.
Then I attached a rope from one side of the river to the other, and pulling it into place creating enough tension to be used as a handrail.
The handrail is now at a safe and comfortable height and position.
Using the strimmer again, I cleared both sides, and with the axe I cleared some stray branches for an improved view of the river.
After a few days I realised there was an easy upgrade that could be done. We have a pile of pallets that can be used as a decking for the bridge.
I moved the two poles further apart and laid seven pallets end-to-end and secured them together at the six contact points at each side.
I then secured the pallets to the poles at six points.
Final Results:
Now the dogs can take the shortcut too!
The only real cost in building this was about 45 metres of rope.
Time: 3 half-days.
Cost: <€10.