BLENDING PERFORMANCE WITH THE LANDSCAPE ON CHALLENGING SOUTH DOWNS GROUND
BLENDING PERFORMANCE WITH THE LANDSCAPE ON CHALLENGING SOUTH DOWNS GROUND
On the rolling edges of Chichester in West Sussex, fencing contractor Jeremy Curling of Curling Contractors Ltd has delivered an impressive 2,500-metre installation across some of the South Downs’ most challenging ground.
Characterised by chalk terrain mixed with flint-rich soil, this makes post driving slow, difficult and unpredictable. This was a project that demanded strength, efficiency, and a finish that respected the surrounding landscape.
The Challenge
Driving posts to full depth in South Downs ground is tough and can bring productivity to a standstill.
While Tornado Wire’s Pro-Strain® metal post system offered a clear efficiency advantage, there was an initial hesitation from the client. The concern wasn’t performance, but appearance. Metal posts risked standing out against the natural landscape. Jeremy needed a solution that both delivered on site and disappeared visually once installed.
A Tailored Approach to Specification
Working closely with Malcolm Blackford and Wayne Beckett from Tornado Wire, Jeremy developed a bespoke solution that addressed both functional and aesthetic demands.
The chosen approach was to apply a green powder-coated finish to the steel components of the Pro-Strain® system. This simple but effective modification allowed the fence line to sit naturally within the landscape, ensuring it blended seamlessly into its surroundings.
The result was a system that delivered the structural advantages of steel while maintaining a low visual impact, meeting the client’s expectations without compromise.
Practical Solutions for Demanding Ground
Despite the challenging terrain, installation progressed efficiently thanks to a combination of product design and practical on-site techniques.
Precision installation
The Pro-Strain i-Post® Holder / Twister Tool enabled accurate driving of posts, even in stubborn ground conditions. This ensured straight, consistent fence lines across the full length of the project.
Efficient straining
Adjustable struts proved quick to install and allowed for effective pre-tensioning of straining posts. This not only saved time on site but also ensured reliable, long-term fence performance from the outset.
Adaptability in difficult conditions
Where full depth installation was not achievable, posts were easily trimmed using a circular saw. This straightforward adjustment eliminated delays and kept progress moving.
Speed and continuity
Stapling into the intermediate posts proved fast and straightforward, contributing to an efficient, uninterrupted installation.
Improved site logistics
The compact design of the posts enabled bulk quantities to be transported directly on the post knocker, significantly reducing manual handling and unnecessary site movements.
A Faultless Outcome
The full 2,500 metre installation was completed without incident, a rare outcome on South Downs ground and a testament to both product performance and contractor expertise.
Jeremy Curling praised the system, stating:
“By far the best metal post system we’ve ever used.”
The client was equally satisfied. The bespoke green finish achieved the desired subtle, unobtrusive boundary, while the Pro-Strain® system delivered the durability and longevity required for such a demanding site.
Products Used
• 1.8m Pro-Strain i-Posts®
• 2.4m Pro-Strain® strainers and strut kits
• R8/80/22 netting
• 3.15mm high tensile plain wire
