Rob Bell Fencing: AFI Award winner & Yorkshire Dales project

In November, Tornado Wire was proud to sponsor the Agricultural & Equine Contractor of the Year category at the Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) Awards, held at Mercedes-Benz World.

The accolade was awarded to Robert Bell of Rob Bell Fencing, recognition of his outstanding work and commitment to excellence.

One of Robert’s recent projects involved delivering a complex wall-top fencing solution in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, near the summit of Whernside.

Project overview

Objective:

To deliver a durable metal post solution for a wall-top wire fence that prevents sheep from crossing over a traditional stone wall.

Location:

Yorkshire Dales National Park, near the summit of Whernside

Challenges

• Irregular wall structure: The stone wall was uneven and undulating, requiring a flexible fencing approach.

• Ground conditions: The sensitive peat moorland required a low-impact approach to minimise environmental disruption.

Approach

Why Pro-Strain i-Post®?

• Flexible, quick and efficient installation in difficult terrain

• Long-lasting metal posts with reduced maintenance

• Unobtrusive design preserves the natural beauty of the National Park

• Compact design minimised trips across sensitive peat moorland.

• Reduced environmental impact compared to timber

As the netting was positioned on the wall top, the wire profile did not suit a long Clipex post. The Pro-Strain i-Post® offered flexibility, functioning like a timber post and allowing staples to be placed exactly where needed.

Installation details

• Pro-Strain i-Post®’s were installed with a petrol post knocker, ensuring efficiency in challenging terrain.

• Some posts were wired down or back for stability, as consistent post placement was difficult

Fencing specification

LHT8/90/15 netting was selected to provide coverage down the wall and sufficient height to raise the fence line above the wall.

Result

The customer is assured of a fence that will last for many years, delivering strength, reliability, and environmental sensitivity. The flexibility of the Pro-Strain i-Post® proved invaluable in coping with uncertain ground conditions, while the combined system provided a robust and sustainable solution.

“The Pro-Strain i-Post® gave us the flexibility we needed on uneven ground, while its compact, durable design meant fewer trips across sensitive moorland and a fence that will last for years.”