BWM

It may be that your packing has been over tightened leaving no room for the grease to enter the stern assembly. Dig out, replace and don't tighten any more than necessary. As others have said, a new run of soft copper pipe and correct sized olives is a useful upgrade.

It may be better to keep level, or slightly lower as you will feel less on show when sitting there. A mixture of iris or similar reed like plants, along with some that tumble down to the water will give a natural feel and allow glimpses of canal and boats.

One advantage of wood is that it is possible to collect your own, and you can purchase it in white builders bags at a much better price. Depending on storage space available, a mix of coal and wood is probably most economic and useful.

I was told that this was painted by Ron Hough, a very heavy can.

Report away, but I would imagine that most would find your original post far more so.

Agreed, I was reluctant to respond but the sick nature of the post outweighed this. I've no problem with necessary pest control but definitely do with actions as of the O.P. unfortunately, there's no cure for an inherently sick mind.

Needless cruelty, and nothing to boast about. Inaccessible traps can be placed with a wire to retrieve the now dead rat caught in a conventional trap.

I've often wondered if an alternator designed for a lorry may be a better option as most are low revving (limited to 3,000 rpm)?