Public Places “
Grass edges were half mooned or clipped with shears and narrow channels, known locally as ‘grups’, were formed along the base of historic masonry to keep machinery away from the fragile fabric
first cut and clearance of all short grassed areas over the entire estate. This is to remove all over-wintering grass and facilitate a timely commencement to the new season’s grass cutting operations.” “The main short grass areas are maintained
at a height of 50mm, embracing a frequency regime that sees the contractor carry out a first cut, plus twelve weekly cycles, followed then by eight fortnightly visits. This regime usually works very well, basically keeping on top of the grass growth during the earlier part of the year and then, when grass growth slows down in June, carrying out a fortnightly cut.”
Mick goes on to explain that mowers are
which have increased in size through years of edging
Mick inspecting one of the ‘grups’ at Rievaulx Abbey
set to a height of cut of 30mm for fine turf areas, such as cloister lawns and ornamental lawns. “But, as each site and each season will be different, there is scope in the contracts to pay for additional cuts if required,” confirms Mick.
Long grass areas are cut and cleared on a
three yearly basis. “Some larger sites can be let out to local farmers who operate a cut and collect programme (free of charge), taking the arisings for hay/silage crops.” “Strimming around obstacles and precious
stone masonry is one job that needs to be done with care,” says Mick. “The contractors are aware of the damage that can be done by careless workmanship.” “In the old days, grass edges were half
Entrance to Helmsley Castle
The sheer steepness of the banks restricts the use of larger mowing machinery so, in most cases, it has to be done by hand using brushcutters
” Steep banks at Helmsley Castle 86 I PC APRIL/MAY 2014
mooned or clipped with shears and narrow channels, known locally as ‘grups’, were formed along the base of historic masonry to keep machinery away from the fragile fabric. However, over time, these grups between the walls and grass have gradually increased in size and become maintenance items in their own respect as well as presenting, in some cases, a potential trip hazard. Careful use of strimmers, fitted with fragile cord that will disintegrate on contact with a hard surface, now enables us to trim grass along wall bases without risk of damage and, so, we are now in the process of back-filling and turfing or seeding over grups at most sites in the north.” At Rievaulx Abbey one of the biggest issues
is maintaining grass cover along pinch points, such as narrow walkways between areas of the site. “With so much foot traffic, they become worn, lose grass cover and erode away so, in recent years, we have resorted to using a plastic reinforced mesh in these areas, which has been a great success in areas of reasonable foot traffic although, in high wear and tear areas such as historic doorways and at bases of steps, we have found that bi- annual re-turfing still provides the best solution.” Mick regularly inspects all his sites, meeting up with the contractors and English Heritage’s on-site managers who keep him informed of any issues to address. Providing good disabled access to some of
these ancient sites is not always easy with the often multiple changes in levels and narrow access points that can be encountered at most sites, confesses Mick. “Here at Rievaulx Abbey we have maximised access by way of introducing a gently rising grass access route
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