Keep up to date with the restoration...

Over the last few years, floodwaters have begun to severly damage the culvert, washing debris into it and dislodging many of the stones. A significant part of the overlying clay has been scoured out and despite mitigation efforts, there are worries that it may not survive another winter. Since this initial damage, the side walls have continued to erode in any moderately wet weather, and it has been necessary to prop both end lintel stones using timber supports, as a precautionary measure.

 

 

The culvert is located on an historic route way and a current Public Right of Way. Archaeological surveys have suggested that the culvert forms an important part of the industrial past associated with High Weald woodlands.  The surveys have also revealed many features in the areas surrounding the culvert that have historical significance; this has expanded local knowledge of the area and provided an archaeological record for future generations. Although not a feature of the surrounding fields, the track way that crosses the culvert used to cross the fields in the past, and would have been used to access the fields and woods in the area.  Without the culvert these track ways would not have existed.  Thus preserving the culvert in turn protects the historic features of the adjacent fields.

 

Conservation of the culvert will enhance the Public Right of Way, encouraging more people to use and visit the High Weald Landscape Trail.  This will benefit both the local community and visitors to the area. The establishment of a steering group has brought together community members and professional people who have worked together to build a solid foundation from which Strawberry Wood Culvert could be saved. The project has enlisted the help of local archaeologists, historians, engineers, conservation and heritage officers. It is vital that such unusual features be conserved for future generations to enjoy and learn about the history that has helped form the High Weald landscape.

 

 

The chosen restoration contracter was 'J.C. Brander, Stonework, Restoration, Landscaping and Land Maintenance'.

John completed Stage 1 of the works in May 2009 which included:

- Tree Clearance

- Removal of silt upstream (see pictures above)

- Digging of several test trenches

- Surveys of the structure, stream and surroundings

- Site photographs

- Comparative survey of another local culvert

 

Stage 2 of the restoration work will be starting in July 2009 and will include the following:

Removal of accumulated silt at the entrance of the culvert, down to the stream bed to be deposited at a nearby site in agreement with the landowner.

 

Installation of gabion baskets across the stream and a relief water pipe as a mechanism to protect the restored culvert structure. This will be done with consent from the environment agency and with landowner agreement on the understanding of the potential impact of the structures in times of flood.

 

Stabilisation of the northern bank at the entrance of the culvert to support and protect the culvert structure.

 

Repair the outer and inner culvert structure where necessary with locally sourced stone, maintaining the original appearance of the culvert where possible.

 

Reconstruct the pathway over the culvert to its original width using locally sourced stone rubble.

 

All works will be completed sympathetically and carefully - in keeping with the historical significance and amenity value of the culvert and its surroundings.