Horton Kirby Island Reconstruction work 2012

The rebuilding of the Westminster field island is now largely completed. Tony, John and the team worked extremely hard to carry out this task. Over 700 sandbags were filled using 14 tons of dry mix ballast and cement, all of which had to be mixed by hand. These were used to level out the base of the island before some 200 weathered tyres were then placed on top of the sandbags. The tyres were then filled and backed with over 30 tons of hardcore and crushed concrete. Railway sleepers were then placed on the tyres using reinforcing rods to hold them securely in position. The sleepers now form the perimeter of the island. As the lake refills, a small shallow pool will form inside the sleepers. Fish will not be able to gain access to this area. We intend to plant this area with reed and Iris. Each end of the island will be filled with clay to allow dry planting. As you can appreciate, this project was a mammoth task and, once the planting is complete, it will bring the island back to its former glory.

The committee would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to carry out this project, it was no easy task.