I have committed to install the underground services before the builder starts as it saves around €5,000 (plus cost of the materials). Florent Maître, our builder has once again come to my aid by lending me his Komatsu digger (minipelle) for as much time as I need it to dig, fill and cover the trenches. This morning I collected it with some instructions.

The first job was to clear the obstructions including (sadly) the swings that no one wanted even for free.

I also had to move all the windows on my own, Not an easy task. The old iron gate was beyond my knowledge of leverage so I just rotated it out of the way then started my first trenches.

This is from the Car Park to the main spine trench that runs through the site. Nothing but deep stones (old foundations) and tree roots which I hope will not damage the tree too much.

It took some time to achieve but I feel a lot more confident with the controls of the digger after a day of working with them.