The Zebcolm Trench

[Bethan]

@Zebra Thank you for your input.

I’d love to put in a retaining wall. The reason I was reluctant was that it would mean taking out more of the gravel & soil. However I’m sure the finished result would be much better all round.

Time to pluck up courage & talk to the farmer. I’m hoping he’ll be sympathetic as at one point he owned the cottage & lived in the adjoining house for years.

Do you think the depth is correct ie not quite to the bottom of the large foundation stones?

Regarding the width of the trench, I think I’ve read here before, that the wider the better, to allow good ventilation?

Wish me luck!

Thanks again, Bethan

 

[Zebra]

@Zebra Thank you for your input.

I’d love to put in a retaining wall. The reason I was reluctant was that it would mean taking out more of the gravel & soil. However I’m sure the finished result would be much better all round.

Time to pluck up courage & talk to the farmer. I’m hoping he’ll be sympathetic as at one point he owned the cottage & lived in the adjoining house for years.

Do you think the depth is correct ie not quite to the bottom of the large foundation stones?

Regarding the width of the trench, I think I’ve read here before, that the wider the better, to allow good ventilation?

Wish me luck!

Thanks again, Bethan

Yes, the depth can be level with the bottom of the foundation stones, no deeper. You want to get below your internal floor level, but there's no need to keep digging just for the sake of it.
In terms of width it doesn't really matter. Anything is better than nothing, but if it's really skinny then the air won't circulate so well. I wouldn't say the wider the better necessarily. Mine's about 15cm wide and much deeper, so what you have there looks fine.

 

[Bethan]

@Zebra, thank you.