Puddling clay at East Wichel

As part of the leak repairs at East Wichel the contractors have been puddling clay to make the canal watertight. Historically, Puddle Clay was laid in the base of a canal before sheep or cattle were herded round and round to compress (puddle) the clay until it created a waterproof barrier. These days we have sheep foot rollers that are much easier to control.

The photograph shows the vibrating roller being remotely controlled to create the waterproof layer.