This gate is modern but not up to the specification required to withstand a rampaging pensioner in a six-ton digger. It should be taken off and straightened (by a pacified person in a mended digger) and rehung by newly welded hinges on a brand new post without a rotten bottom but….
It’s winter, it’s cold, the ground is very wet and it’s getting dark etc.
So, in the short term we are thrown upon the traditional method…
Bailer twineology…
Actually its a’fusion’ technology — using nylon twine in the traditional way — although don’t forget that nylon has memory (which is more than you can say for the farmer) — It remembers how to undo itself so you should lock the knots — ironically that means reef knots and not Granny knots!
The farms around us are particularly tidy and I fear that they are losing the ancient skills!
Here is a detail from a grade two listed traditional sheep fold — note the use of growing, self reinforcing, timber and many different technologies — all with their own integrity!
Corner of Grade two listed sheep pen!
We try to keep these skills alive in a modern context such as the algae-prevention modification of our rain water harvester!
Wrapping the white plastic tank in black plastic prevents algae growth.
I am most proud of my four-minute-cratch (patent pending).
It was erected in four minutes in a hail storm when snow was forecast. I am particularly pleased with the use of grass collection bags from the lawn mowers to stop the sheep getting their feet stuck and injured when trying to climb in the ends. The back is formed by the fence, the front is a hurdle and the top is half the oak door of the old pig sty, all held together by, guess what? Bailer twine!
dianaashworth 
Oh, this is so nostalgic for me. I haven’t lugged a hay bale or fastened a gate with binder twine for 40 years but it is so delightful and reassuring to see that the old crafts and skills are alive and well. Lovely.
Thank you so much!