Neil ran a workshop about shelter building at the 2015 Moot but due to the scope of the subject the workshop morphed into a two day course. If enough people are interested Neil will run a course in 2016 where the group will build a Saxon or Viking (or most likely use a combination of varirous building styles) roofed shelter.
The first photo is of some stakes being driven into the soft sand, notice how they are leaning back into the sand. They will be pushed forwards as we backfill.
At the bottom we used sycamore hurdling, hazel would be preferable but we used locally sourced material.
The next few layers were simply made by using horizontal poles.
Behind the uprights we placed anchoring stakes which were tied to the uprights using paracord. Obviously natural cordage would have been used back in the day.
Neil doing a knot demo, one of the many aspects of the course.
Ground anchoring stakes.
The next part of the wall was made with an oak board.
Another thing Neil teaches on the course is axework.
As building progressed we used more modern materials including chicken wire and plastic sheeting. These formed an effective ground anchor.
Both the wire and sheeting were attached to the structure using wooden stretchers/spreaders.
The rear of the structure was back-filled with sand as we progressed. Here we see Colin driving fresh stakes through the wire into the sand backfill.
Another aspect of the course was using various methods to split our timber.
The top of the structure was anchored to the sheeting which was folded into a 'S' shape and each time it was folded a layer of sand was added as further ballast. A wooden pole was also used to strengthen the fold.
The sheet folded back on itself.
Neil being the shy and retiring type hides behind a bush...
After the final fold the sheet is covered with sand and a board is used to tamp the sand.
Colin and Chris.
The final height of the retaining wall was about 4 feet.
We didn't have the time or manpower to build the gable ends or roof but Colin fancied spending a night in the shelter so he improvised...
Chris tries the shelter for size.
So there we are, we were severely limited by the lack of manpower but if you fancy being part of a team that builds a grub hut type shelter at the 2016 Moot let Tony know or express an interest here...
The first photo is of some stakes being driven into the soft sand, notice how they are leaning back into the sand. They will be pushed forwards as we backfill.
At the bottom we used sycamore hurdling, hazel would be preferable but we used locally sourced material.
The next few layers were simply made by using horizontal poles.
Behind the uprights we placed anchoring stakes which were tied to the uprights using paracord. Obviously natural cordage would have been used back in the day.
Neil doing a knot demo, one of the many aspects of the course.
Ground anchoring stakes.
The next part of the wall was made with an oak board.
Another thing Neil teaches on the course is axework.
As building progressed we used more modern materials including chicken wire and plastic sheeting. These formed an effective ground anchor.
Both the wire and sheeting were attached to the structure using wooden stretchers/spreaders.
The rear of the structure was back-filled with sand as we progressed. Here we see Colin driving fresh stakes through the wire into the sand backfill.
Another aspect of the course was using various methods to split our timber.
The top of the structure was anchored to the sheeting which was folded into a 'S' shape and each time it was folded a layer of sand was added as further ballast. A wooden pole was also used to strengthen the fold.
The sheet folded back on itself.
Neil being the shy and retiring type hides behind a bush...
After the final fold the sheet is covered with sand and a board is used to tamp the sand.
Colin and Chris.
The final height of the retaining wall was about 4 feet.
We didn't have the time or manpower to build the gable ends or roof but Colin fancied spending a night in the shelter so he improvised...
Chris tries the shelter for size.
So there we are, we were severely limited by the lack of manpower but if you fancy being part of a team that builds a grub hut type shelter at the 2016 Moot let Tony know or express an interest here...
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