Collapsed wall in Countess Wear rebuilt with wildflowers

A collapsed wall in Exeter that blocked part of Countess Wear Road has been fully rebuilt and rewilded, nearly four years after its dramatic collapse.

The 4-metre-high wall, which fell in December 2020, has been replaced with a reinforced embankment backed by Devon seed and wildflowers supplied by Devon Wildlife. A hedge made from native species has also been planted at the top of the slope.

The embankment backs onto King George V Playing Fields, and the rebuild was carried out by Crestmoor Construction, working on behalf of Exeter City Council.

An adjoining wall, which borders a nearby footpath leading to the playing fields, also had to be partially rebuilt. The access path remains closed while new grass within the construction zone establishes — with the area expected to reopen in around three months.

As part of the wider project, new highways barriers and a kerb line were also added in partnership with Devon County Council.

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, acknowledged the disruption caused by the long-running project but praised the outcome.

“These projects are never straightforward, and it seemed to take an age before contractors were able to start work on site. However, the quality design and finish demonstrates that it’s worth getting these things right in the first place,” she told the Exeter City Council website.

“I think it looks great. The grass and wildflowers certainly make it a lot easier on the eye, compared to the previous brick-wall finish.”

Crestmoor Construction also thanked residents for their support and patience.

“I’d like to thank everyone living nearby for their patience and understanding whilst the works were taking place,” said Mike King, of Crestmoor.

“It was disruptive but I hope the finished product will be worth any inconvenience that was caused.”

As a gesture of thanks, Crestmoor presented flowers to residents most affected by the long-term works.

During the rebuild, the company also hosted engineering students from Exeter College on site to learn from the project - part of a wider effort to give back to the local community.