We are currently in the middle of two adjacent contracts constructing quays on the edge of the Fal estuary in Cornwall. When we first quoted and tried to gather as much information about quay construction as possible it was difficult to discover much at all. The BS information is based largely on more modern standard construction and concentrates predominantly on the waterproofing qualities of the materials. Using drystone negates much of this and yet has been largely superceeded nowadays despite being very well suited to both marine and riparian constructions.

Using large stones >25kg, (it is necessary that every single stone is of sufficient weight), each stone is selected for an even weight along its length which is placed to allow a narrow face. The stones need to be placed vertically as much as possible, (an uneven pattern can also work), this is due to horizontal stones effectively being able to float on a strong current. The back fill is loose and with an amount of gaps the water can simply flow in and out of the whole base of structure.

Estuarine locations are by far the easiest locations in which to construct on the foreshore. The full force of the sea is usually tempered and flooding is not constricted and as such not fast flowing. Despite this it is essential to ensure the face is able to withstand very strong forces indeed. However the back of the wall face is under a much greater pressure - on high tides, particularly spring tides, the whole of quay becomes waterlogged and the pressure downwards and onto the rear of the facing stone is immense as the tide falls.

The work is incredibly labour intensive, although the localities make up for the hard work. The photos are of the first quay in construction, 46 metres long, which is in an AONB and surrounded by National Trust land; as such the design has to be traditional and the final finish needs to look in tune with the much older quays in the vicinty. A random pattern to the face allows for this easily.BEFORE:

AFTER:

The total cost for the above job came in below £5000.00, and as such it would be impossible to build a timber or concrete construction for the same price. Dry stone is becoming increasingly more fashionable as the prices for the stone become increasingly more competitive against prefabricated products. The sustainability factor cannot be beaten either, the stone for the above came from less than 20 miles away and all other materials were recycled.What is very amusing is to see the different species which utilise the quays in comparison to the dry stone walls.Crabs vs Toads. The final touch is a specialist seed mix for estuarine riparian and coastal headland, with strong rapid establishing grass seeds it is a mix that hardly suits any other type of lawn but will assist greatly in erosion preventative vegetative measures and remediation, (EPV) thus ensuring the longevity of the structure.

Dry Stone walls in Cornwallwww.paysagedurable.com
Votes: 0
E-mail me when people leave their comments –

Comments

  • Stunning work and cheaper than a patio in this neck of the woods!
  • PRO
    I have to agree - lovely work and totally in keeping with its environment.
  • Thanks for your kind comments - the work has been tough and I think all of our arms are 2inches longer.
  • Total agreement. Hits all the buttons....fabulous example and aesthetic. I should think you are very proud.
  • Fantastic especially for under 5k. How long did it take to build?
  • Thanks for your all comments. The build took just over three weeks. Hats off to Steven Johns and Charlotte Duriez, who seemed to positively enjoy lugging massive rocks around. We are starting a quay on the neighbouring property in the beginning of September. We are hoping to pick up more contracts such as this and the costs of the materials lower the final costs dramatically. Now in this part of the world the natural stone from sustainable quarrying practices, (such as Tredinnick) as well as sustainable timber from local woodlands is starting to match and often beat prefab and imported materials. The only problem is that finish is very localised and as such these traditional looking builds are simply not suited to many locations.
This reply was deleted.

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Open forum activity

Robbie posted a blog post
5 minutes ago
Sam Bainbridge replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"Once or twice a year on wild flowers is more of a ride on mower job. I just use my iseki for this on top height then drop it down for a 2nd run over.
For the big rough stuff this guy is talking about I'd go for the etesia attila. It's the big boys…"
1 hour ago
Chris Allder commented on Chris's blog post Jacksons Fencing to Exhibit at FutureScape 2024 After Nine Year Hiatus
"East Coast Fencing would be interested in pricing for your Solar Fence Panels"
2 hours ago
Ian Harvey replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
""
6 hours ago
Richard Shelton replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"We are getting asked this increasingly recently also - grass areas set aside as meadow and wild flower areas (more like weeds in the main), and only to be cut once or twice a year on new estates. What machines are you guys hiring/using?
Thanks also,…"
8 hours ago
Graham Taylor replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
""
23 hours ago
James Brett replied to Phil Voice's discussion How much does it cost to lay turf per square metre?
"So currently been working on a massive project, 200m2 of turf for this part has been close to 5k due to access issues, amount of prep needed due to other works and some other bits. Had to bring in 30t of top soil for just this part which is…"
Thursday
The Wall replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
"Some where around here the cable should sit are you sure nothing has dropped to the bottom of the casing"
Wednesday
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Etesia UK is delighted to announce that Fisco Farm & Garden Machinery, a long-standing family business based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has officially become the latest dealer for Etesia products.The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for…
Wednesday
Billybop replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"i found the little un's were overheating as the power draw of the STX4500 is too great. I have a couple of the old Honda 56V brushless strimmers (early Ego clone) that the smaller packs work fine with. And are actually preferable as make the machine…"
Wednesday
Ian Harvey replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"Yes, I have 2.5ah and 4ah EGO packs for my ST1400 strimmer, and the 4ah also seem to last 2/3 times as long as the 2.5Ah."
Wednesday
Billybop replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"That looks good. Been well impressed by the Ego kit lately. Bought their amazing LT1000 flood light that folds up into a cube about a year ago. This season the STX4500 strimmer which is equal to my Stihl FSA135R, but I find preferable. Plus been…"
Wednesday
Ian Harvey replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"I see that Ego Power are bringing their battery powered auger to the UK soon. Review of it here:
https://www.protoolreviews.com/ego-56v-cordless-earth-auger-review/
 "
Wednesday
Ian Harvey replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
"Don't have that version, but seen others where the outer is simply held back by part of the handle, without having an actual fixing. Looking at your photo, I would try pushing the cable behind the plastic "fork" in front of where the wire enters the…"
Wednesday
David Benson replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
"to me the cable is not in the right position its pulling sidways should it enter through the center so its inline "
Tuesday
Sebastian Edwards updated their profile
Tuesday
More…