Are these the solution to the problem of shoring up the island? The word (or merely a rumor?) is that we will be seeing more of these constructions as the island props up her landscape. One example of building walls with Gabions or Τα Συρματοκιβώτια (Ta Sirmatokivotia -“wire crates or boxes”) can be seen where Vathirema emerges from the mountains a little above the Hilary and Liz house.
This method of earth support is fairly common around the world though not yet in Skopelos. Basically, gabions are cages made of heavy wire filled with stones. As stones are plentiful, the cost of reinforcing embankments using this method might be less expensive than steel reinforced concrete or other methods.
An outfit in Metsovo specializes in working with gabions. Following the link will show you different applications for this technique.
At one time so overgrown that passage was impossible, the storm opened Vathirema and now walking in the trickling river bed is an interesting and unusual hike.
Not so attractive when new. I suppose that eventually they will disappear as roots and undergrowth claim the space.
There are examples of landscapers using gabions as decorative features in landscape design for public parks etc. I’m not sure why as they have very little aesthetic appeal on their own.
W are certain hoping the cages will protect our land from any further flooding. Not very attractive but practical.
Liz and Hilary
Very quickly they become a haven for small plants and succulents. Give it a year or so, and they will start to disappear into the landscape …
I’ve seen a lot of these on Crete, and I don’t think they are very smart. They don’t look nice and nothing grows on them and often over time rocks fall out from holes in them. Good old fashioned stone walls are better.
used these on a rural landscaping job near Sydney, Australia and they looked great. Within a couple of months they settled into the landscape, small animals found homes in them and plant life flourished. They also did the job of supporting the embankment and allowed free drainage of the ground above.