Heavy Horses remove trees from Crownhill Fort - Crownhill Fort

By: Ed Donohue, The Landmark Trust
Added: 05 March 2013

Crownhill Fort has become a lot more visible this week. A team of tree surgeons, local Landmark staff and two Shire Horses have worked to clear a section of the counterscarp wall surrounding the Fort.

Self seeded saplings have taken root in the wall and have started to damage the historic fabric of the Fort. The steep banks and deep ditches mean that using machinery to clear the trees is not an option.

Horses were brought in because they can traverse the difficult terrain and because they do not damage the ground. The horses proved so strong and so effective that the five day project was completed after three days.

Ed Donohue, Manager of Crownhill Fort, said \"The horses are capable of doing the work of several humans and seem to really enjoy working hard. They were bred to move heavy loads and it has been a pleasure working with them\"

More information and pictures can be obtained by contacting the Landmark Trust office at Crownhill Fort on 01752 793754.