Everyone was amazed when I revealed this ancient over grown path

This is a prelude to the oncoming garden renovation which ill get starting on after the kitchen refit.
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[@markscarborough1018]

Great find!! My family had been in our Victorian house for over 30 years before I discovered a similar path, likely older than the house. Problem was, it had become so uneven it was unusable and dangerous, so my mum wanted me to cover it all back up. I was only 13 or so, but was having none of it, so I dug it all up, made better foundations and relayed it flat(ish) over the course of a whole summer. Looked great. My back ain't been the same since!

[@unklian9221]

Something very satisfying about having a good clear out of your back passage.

[@bobafetting6373]

Congratulations mate - genuinely nothing better than a good double entendre. 😂😂😂

[@kawonnowak]

@@bobafetting6373 Apart from a jolly good triple entendre

[@andreweastwood862]

Ooo matron. 😂

[@ManabiLT]

The video ranks first, but your comment's a solid number two.

[@thhseeking]

@@bobafetting6373 Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more!

[@christopherwheeler688]

Well done for taking the trouble. I am amazed that the previously hidden drain was still running. I assumed that it would be packed full of dirt when I saw it.

[@vicstee482]

Me too!!

[@jeno264]

Me three! 😁

[@mead6754]

same

[@wsherratt5159]

It’s great to see a bloke who just sets his mind to getting things in order and cracking on with it. Well done for persevering alone. The neighbours probably love you…….

[@FiveToedSloth1]

Well, when I woke up this morning I had no idea I'd be spending 12 minutes watching a Yorkshireman cleaning out his back passage. Good job, and very neighbourly of you.

[@tmmtmm]

cleaning out my back passage is the first thing I do in the morning.

[@woutdezeeuw1604]

Never seen such a soiled back passage!

[@marileestetson737]

🤣

[@marionhill769]

😂😂😂😂

[@LillianKüstenfeuer]

Centuries-old stones that are worth more than gold to me who love the British people and culture so much. Thank you for sharing this moment, Yorkshire deserves you!

[@alaric_]

This is absolutely lovely! I love reclaiming overgrown areas back into use. And now, the area needs way less maintenance then before and causes less annoynace when looking at it.

[@TheXeneco]

Looks like you may have some more cobbles under your yard’s concrete slab. Happy hunting

[@MOONRAK3R23]

If so that’s going to be one heck of a job trying to remove the cement without damaging the stones. But still definitely worth the effort

[@SloopyDog]

My wife and I are in our late seventies, We clean and de-weed the paths and road edge to the front of our property. It always looks neat and well-kept. The problem is the neighbours weren't happy about it and they stopped speaking to us. They said it was a council job, even though the council never cleaned it. I have seen so many back streets behind terraced properties in a disgusting state because peoplel just don't care. They throw-out old mattresses and rubbish onto the streets hoping the council will remove it. Many people don't take pride in their properties, many of of them are young. When I was a young man we had council road sweepers, employed to clean our streets. We now have so-called litter pickers who very rarely pick any litter up. The streets are littered with fag ends and rubbish which spoils our towns. We live in a couldn't care less word now and it's such a shame.

[@mariapilar2692]

I think you’re right and your neighbors wrong. Keep clean and de-weed the paths and the road can never be a bad work

[@SloopyDog]

@@mariapilar2692 Thank you

[@pegsbarton6353]

People don't take pride anymore. It's all the little things. Communities, caring about where and how you live, how your children behave, grow, act with others..Sadly I think those ways are gone forever. Young ones sit and watch screens, eating rubbish, no communal sitting together talking with each other. Families are getting to be a thing of the past, little by little it's going. A day out for children these days is going to a shopping mall with their parents. It affects how they live, how they behave, how they care- or don't...I'm glad I'm old. Don't particularly want to be around in the world we have now. This young chap is a credit to his neighbourhood. As has been observed, not a lot of the neighbours even bothered to come and help, or I should say, I didn't see anyone. I hope they at least noticed and thanked him, even if it's only by keeping it nice now he's done all the hard work.

[@SloopyDog]

@@pegsbarton6353 I have found out to my cost that if you like to keep your garden and surrounding areas clean and tidy you will be hated by your neighbours. I have been assaulted, spat at, had my car damaged, and eggs thrown at the windows, all because I like to keep the areas surrounding my house clean and weed-free. It shocks me how lazy people are now, nobody cares anymore.❤

[@BooksUnstitched]

@@pegsbarton6353you clearly don’t have many relationships with young people. You’ll be happy to know me and all my friends are the way you describe young people as not being

[@Caracal-lm6es]

As a gardener, I am salivating at the possibilities for your garden! Can't wait to see it finished as I'm certain it will be amazing!

[@qwr742]

Yes! All that historical cobblestone and brick walls! Some intentional climbers would be so stunning! And a little courtyard seating area

[@crystalfoley9997]

Wow. What a wonderful find and what a difference. Hard to believe that was allowed to be covered up with detritus through the years. Just beautiful. Your neighbors must love you!

[@Agrillot6]

I echo all the other comments but have to say my heart aches for that glorious compost and future compost that was cleared away. Free nutrients for the plants and veggies. Saw some hearty worms in there too 😢

[@Sparrowhawk1962]

You're certainly not afraid of a bit of hard work. What a transformation!

[@tcribb5325]

What an awesome neighbor you are! Imagine all of that hidden under dirt and weeds for years, what a shame.

[@albertolomio]

You're not afraid of hard work and take huge pride into your work. You're an inspiration. Awesome content.

[@m0nk3yl0v3r]

Shame none of the other neighbours helped out..

[@zitakenny7787]

After all your work making this area safe for everyone, I'd use the wood for your fire anyway. It looks amazing, well done.

[@lynnew5619]

Your neighbours owe you a huge thank you. It looks amazing and so much bigger!

[@epamanonda1]

Grand job 👌, and all the help you got from your neighbours, was heart warming. 😂😂.

[@StephenBoyd21]

I just love the unevenness of those cobbles. They just have so much character.

[@RocLobo358]

I found a cobblestone terrace in my garden once. It was covered by several beautiful shrubs by this point but I cleared it and would sit in the little area from time to time. It was like uncovering an itty bitty ancient civilization

[@djh1775]

Wow! So much history right out the back door.

[@robertshrewsbury5067]

I am pretty impressed that with simple equipment and a lot of diligence you absolutely transformed those areas.

[@jorisdemoel3821]

Looks great and should make transporting things to and from your own garden a lot easier. I hope the new appearance will inspire the communal owners to keep it neat. Wonder what lies hidden under the tiles and concrete in the individual gardens.

[@ManabiLT]

I was wondering that, too. There might even be more lovely cobblestones underneath.

[@johnmccallum8512]

@@ManabiLT More than likley as that was the standard finish for backyards when those houses were built,or flagstones

[@kimlesleymclean6004]

I find this so inspiring. And thank you for letting us hear the sounds of nature instead of music or worse still ,endless talking!

[@peteb2]

What an incredible result... now you've motivated me to sort my backyard at my home but i'm fearful the result has zero chance uncovering something from so long ago that still looks as fantastic as those Victorian cobbles!

[@ManabiLT]

The only thing you could uncover in my backyard is the septic tank, and you'd have to dig down to get to it.

[@Dr.Yalex.]

I just now discovered you… and I’m not leaving❤❤❤❤

[@MrPhotodoc]

Couldn't help but notice the depressions in the cobbles from countless wagons passing through there over time. A treasure uncovered.

[@Ida-fz3ir]

I hope Your neighbour brought You a big bunch of flowers! 💐👍

[@missellyssa]

"Pappa Smurf returning home from gongo hunt." Funniest thing I've seen in days! The comic timing of the letters moving with him was perfect 😆

[@BigDuke6ixx]

Well done for not having any music.

[@FreejackVesa]

Reminds me of "the secret garden" also, I'm amazed that drain didn't need to be cleared.

[@AliMunro-r1s]

I hope the neighbours appreciated it too! Well done!

[@Sheppey05]

I bet under that concrete in your garden is more cobbles

[@Dormices]

Just what I was thinking! My brother had the same situation, wanting to remove the vile modern concrete from the garden of his very old cottage. He put his crowbar under the edge hoping to break off chunks of it when the whole lot started to lift, revealing a wonderful old brick path.

[@davidjowett8195]

I hope the neighbours appreciated the effort you put in on their behalf.

[@jamesparsons9068]

The men are probably terrified because their wives are going to say 'go out there and do that! Just like him.'

[@Nachtwanderer864]

After so much soil, dirt and roots ⇒ Is the gully and its pipework still clear? 👀

[@kimbirch3034]

Did no one offer any help at all?

[@SafetyProMalta]

Renters probably, don't give a toss

[@falfas55bgas]

Are you going to have the drain scoped/checked for tree roots etc.? What a transformation on that back garden and common area! Great work.

[@lisaangell8702]

Have a peek under your concrete, wouldn’t be surprised those lovely cobblestones extend into your back yard!

[@EdurtreG]

Now some big pots with ferns and hostas, and Bob is your uncle. Love your tenacity!🎉

[@horstszibulski19]

Great job! Reminds me of my garden walkway that was hidden under trash, weed and other stuff, after pressure washing and using a shovel before, you can actually walk down it. Love the "waviness" of your cobble stones, looks like they were forced down under heavy carriages over decades ... Thx for showing! 👍👍👍

[@stun9771]

Nice to see someone making some effort and taking some pride in a job well done…👍🏻

[@briangoldberg4439]

how far underneath the concrete slab do you think the cobbles go?

[@patmillar961]

The colours in the stone are absolutely beautiful. The transformation is well worth all your hard work.

[@nicolasbertin8552]

Should have kept the soil for the garden, it's basically leaf and branch compost, incredibly rich !

[@KhaiJbach]

But full of ivy.....

[@nicolasbertin8552]

@@KhaiJbach You sift it out, easy. Or you can leave it, it'll compost down too.

[@viriato8566]

Nice thought but betcha there's some evil Victorian era chemicals in that stuff...

[@idontthinkso666]

Yes, rich and full of weeds, seeds, rhizomes, etc. just waiting to explode with the same growth he just removed.

[@nicolasbertin8552]

@@idontthinkso666 nah I use it all the time in my garden, I compost weeds, even some that are seeding, and use it again. If you mulch over the compost, there is no issue with the seeds. And the rhizomes, if you leave them to dry out in the sun, they die, and compost away.

[@v1s10nray]

Well done, it's always rewarding doing jobs like this.I often find it's keeping it like that which is the hardest part lol.

[@jnancy-pants3957]

Papa Smurflookedlike he was wearing a motorcycle helmet until I zoomed in😂

[@Shade11906]

It's "backyard archeology "! What a transformation and WHAT a find!!! Well done!

[@oermama]

That’s so beautiful, those old stones, it already looks like a romantic patio. Cheers from the Netherlands 😊

[@badlarry172]

i was so hoping that drain would still be working and clear ...and it was 🙂

[@caseyjones166]

Well you're a worker and no mistake. Hope you're appreciated!

[@Chester16791]

If I’m honest I think you’re the kind of man who would rather do the job on his own , not sure many could keep up with your work rate .😂

[@richards7909]

Only 12 minutes 😢 Need more! 😊

[@stevenclarke2592]

That's looks amazing, very well done and hope the neighbours appreciated all of your hard work.

[@mags8014]

What hard work - all those dreadful brambles! But the path looks lovely and, as you say, well worth the effort.

[@pintokitkat]

Brilliant job. I'll bet you were knackered.

[@maryb6576]

Love the cobblestone. So much better then before. A lot of hard work went in to that area. Great job.

[@Quaker521]

Great job and a fantastic result. I hope that your neighbours aren't as slow coming forward to thank you as they are in helping!🙄

[@Belzediel]

Oh, dude, levelling those cobbles is going to be one godawful monster jobby. You going to try it? I mean.... if you do, make sure to number and orient those stones. I do not want to think about the numbers of giant spiders you unleashed...

[@giancarloriccio8890]

I would definitely watch that video!

[@horatiohornblower868]

Are those cobbles private ground or communal ? I guess only the concrete floor is private.

[@calamityjenn]

That was one of the most satisfying and beautiful transformations I have ever seen. Fantastic work! Absolutely breathtaking result.

[@AnthropoidOne]

Oh brother

[@calamityjenn]

​@@AnthropoidOne Yet here you are. Don't you have a bridge to go live under?

[@AnthropoidOne]

@@calamityjenn yes

[@Brembelia]

Your Victorian cobble stones were quite a find. Lucky you! They're gorgeous!! 😊

[@wormthatturned8737]

Small Skip syndrome! I got that when I ordered a skip about 13 years ago. I only thought they came in two type then. The standard one that fits nicely on the back of the skip lorry and the huge one with the front opening door you can literally wheel your narrow into. My voluptuous neighbour from two doors down accosted me on my skip size as she wanted to dump some of her crap in it and had arranged this secretly with my wife. “Why have you only got a little one, I was told by your wife you had a big one” I have never lived it down! She is a Yorkshire lass bless her!

[@forbol]

Dude, I feel your pain. Who the heck wants to go do YARD WORK when you could spend time makin' stuff. Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do. :(

[@zstarwarsz]

How in the world is that drain still working...

[@gth042]

I hope it goes somewhere other than a sinkhole...

[@damogranheart5521]

WOW!! What a difference! Looking at the area near the drain, is it possible that part of the drain has collapsed? Might be.a job to be done while working on the garden. Just in case you get a lot of rain. I am so glad that you cleared that passageway up. If, God forbid, you couldn't get out your front door, you could escape out the back. It looks great, and I have a feeling that you are going to make it beautiful!🖖🔭🐈‍⬛📚🫖✨️☔️🎩🥧🕊

[@gucu]

That skip is ridiculous - I have seen larger bins! Great transformation though and satisfying work considering most of your projects take months to finish!

[@ricardoencina3808]

Buen trabajo de limpieza y recuperación del lugar. Saludos desde Santiago de Chile

[@pinkelephants1421]

Shame you didn't think to reuse all that lovely soil in either plant pots or raised bed or two. It's a result of of decades of decomposition, so it should've been very rich soil. Gardeners pay good money to have that quality of topsoil delivered or in bags at DIY/garden centres. Might be worth thinking about removing 2-3" of the concrete that's been laid right up against the side of the house. It's a very common mistake that's made in the name of low maintenance when laying concrete but can lead to serious rising damp & mold problems as the rainwater comes down the side of the building but has nowhere to drain away to. Not so low maintenance then if home owners have to engage in expensive repairs, both internally and externally. We've got terrible rising damp & mold in our flat because the landlord did this very thing with the concrete.

[@dinosaursneverexisted8985]

Who in their right mind covered all that up with dirt and pallets? Looks awesome and very Bri'ish

[@OwlingDogDesign]

Amazing amount of back-breaking work, isn't??? There is nothing more difficult than landscape, in my opinion. Having done both many times over the years of owning two homes - I think yard work is hardest. Right now I have to redo my front garden and I am NOT looking forward to it. Anyway, beautiful job!! PS-hope you tackle those brick walls as well to bring it all together. What a great place you have! Thanks for the video. 🥰🥰🥰

[@ptaylor4923]

Don't burn pallets for firewood unless you know what it was treated with..YIKES!

[@auntiecarol]

We found a lovely cobbled yard under some scruffy bit of lawn in a house we were renting as students in Liverpool in the 90s. Went a way for a long weekend and when we got back… some f*&%ers had nicked the stones.

[@keithedwards9387]

I am doing a refurb of our garden and can fully appreciate the effort you have made. Amazing transformation. 10/10 for effort and result.

[@saintsi6997]

Well done, it always surprises me that people are prepared to mess up there own local environment thinking that there responsibility ends at there front door.

[@billstevens3796]

Their

[@Essemm52]

Shame about destroying a wonderful wild life habitat like the ivy. Not only that, it’s the best for Absorbing pollutants from the air. Something we should all be aware of these days. 😢

[@markallinson4935]

fantastic Job, but I totally failed to get the Frank's tapjoke... help!

[@roseypeach8363]

👏👏👏👏👍 You are making your neighbor lovely again

[@jeno264]

Wow! What a difference!! 💖💖

[@SuperGrover]

I cleared up something similar. In the undergrowth I found a meter reader and a couple of Mormons... XD

[@paulstanding7267]

A lot of work but the end result looks amazing especially the old cobblestone. Bramble’s are an absolute pain in the butt once established just spread like a wildfire as most of us know. 👍😀😀

[@thecyberspaceman]

Masterclass of patience and hard working. Good job!

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

12:11 what a job. It looks fantastic. Welldone. Bet it took lots longer to clean to this condition than the 15 mins of the video. U deserve a good cupa after that lot

[@tomburbridge1114]

Always get the biggest skip you can have room for. It's the delivery and pickup charge that's expensive, not the size of the skip. 1000 pounds of garbage weights and costs the same for disposal as if you take a 10 lbs bag in for 100 days. Been there made the same mistake !! Nice cleanup looks awesome !

[@lwoodt1]

Such a beautiful space once it was all cleaned up. Hope it is kept maintained that way.

[@Carole.P]

It’s a lovely feeling when you get a job like this accomplished.

[@davidroberts5602]

Hi there great 👍 job of your yard well done 👍 David 🇬🇧👌❤️👍

[@groundspeed3954]

Ah, the joy of gardening! Mother Nature takes over with gusto and it's a constant battle to tame the wilderness. I hope your back (and sacroiliac) haven't suffered from the clean-up . . . and pray you haven't suffered too many blisters and callouses.. Given your consummate design and craftsmanship, I await with anticipation the new garden reveal!

[@giancarloriccio8890]

It's an incredible work! I'm just a little bit concerned about the floods in the back yard, because the drainage open is higher than lower spots, in heavy rain it could became a pond! But definitely an improvement from the pallets pathway

[@nghngh5956]

Just can’t comprehend how people can live like this.

[@bobx2387]

What a transformation There is no doubt that shared drives and paths can become very unsightly. Hope that it stays that way as your neighbours now have an asset not a mess. Bo (Weston super Mare)

[@honodle7219]

That was way more entertaining than i fiugred. Held my attention the whole way thru.

[@scottsorby7966]

Thats a hell of a transformation, I hope your neighbours don't just fill it with rubbish again... Have you considered that those same lovely cobbles might be under the concrete in your back yard? 🤔 A future project for you if they are Russ, lift, relay and level 😁👍

[@dg2908]

I was thinking the same... hope they continue under that concrete back yard

[@karlchristoffer1275]

That was not a job, it was a war and You are the winner..! Beautiful result..!!

[@vincegregory797]

Looks fantastic but a bit of a trip hazard. Could do with taking up a re-laying, bet it would look stunning then! Can't wait to see what ingenious ideas you come up with for that 'bijou' back yard.

[@MKRM27]

Less of a trip hazard than what was there before?

[@spinaway]

Awesome job, i can appreciate the amount of work that went into clearing that lot.

[@IrenESorius]

Its a jungle out there,, 😅 Cheers,, 🍻😎👍‍‍

[@JamesWilson-gw2ij]

It’s quite amazing how people let their domain turn to crap and do nothing about it. Well done 👍🏼

[@jean-philippelafont4577]

You're back, you and your witty subtitles, what a joy!

[@comiccat4650]

I'm auprised how spacious this path is. That one bush took up to much space

[@MikeDS49]

4:30 a McLeod (rakehoe) tool would work great here. Used by forest fire fighters and MTB trail builders to clear forest floors. I love the aged look of the stonework. Great job!

[@diannklotzbier7447]

I sure wish you were using paper bags instead of plastic

[@wurly164]

Ivy.... it would have been easier to do the entire kitchen