A project is underway to stabilize the 650 year old St Eustace Church, preventing it from sliding down a hill after vital funding.
The church got £14,000 last year. This money pays for urgent repairs to stop the church from sliding down a hill.
The soil under the church is chalk, which moves over time. Because of this soil, the church could slowly move too. Contractors started work several weeks ago.
To hold the church, they are installing five Cintec anchors. These anchors are steel bars in mesh sleeves filled with a special grout.
Getting materials there is hard work. They haul everything up the hill using all-terrain vehicles from the village. The village hall has a compound where they collect water. Then, they take the water to the church using a four-wheel drive to transport materials.
They protected the inside first and built a safe platform. They drilled into the smaller wall and are installing anchors there.
They use fabric nets and plastic tubes with the anchors. Scaffolding is around the building, and they started installing anchors on bigger walls.
The church is a Grade II listed building with great views of Blackmore Vale. It sits in Dorset’s beautiful area, and a steep path is the only way up.
They host events in the church, and making it safe means more events can take place.