Dad Builds Incredible Fortress For His Children In Back Garden
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Featured Image Credit: Caters
If there's anyone who is reaping the rewards of parents' lockdown DIY projects, it's the kids.
Bored mums and dads are using their free time to get creative, and for little ones this means garden cinemas, home-crafted toys, and in the case of Bella and Blake Ely from Essex, an incredible fortress in their back garden.
Bella, eight, and Blake, three, have their dad Marc to thank for the amazing play area, which they are "loving".
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Dad Marc, 33, spent three days building the impressive structure - which includes a tower, swing and even a rock climbing wall - in the family's back garden, all for just £170!
The DIY-savvy scaffolder said he was lucky to already have most of the materials at his work's yard, meaning he could create the fortress cheaply, as opposed to purchasing one for £2,000 or more in a shop.

"Since being in lockdown, I have a lot of spare time on my hands and Bella has always wanted a tree house," said Marc, from Rochford, Essex.
"I looked online and the ones with swings, stairs, and a slide were over £2000 and I knew I could do it myself.
"Fortunately, I have my own scaffolding business and I had the materials at the yard.
"I spent approximately eight hours a day on the whole project - the kids loved being involved too - they helped with the painting and some shovelling.
"The only things I had to buy were the wood chippings, swings, slide, rock-climbing stones and paint from Amazon, eBay and B&Q.
"I built a castle with a bridge and a rock-climbing wall for such a small amount of money."

Marc, who owns Ely Scaffolding, is now encouraging other parents to build their own play areas in their back gardens as long as they can work their way around a power tool.
The dad, who is returning to work this week, is also looking into the legalities of building fortresses for clients.
"It was lovely to spend time with the kids and occupy all of our minds during lockdown," he says.

"I think everyone should give DIY a go if they have used power tools before!
"I didn't use YouTube but there will be ways to learn online.
"As a scaffolder, I am always working outdoors and do not need to come into any physical contact with anyone else.
"I have shared the fortress to inspire others and I am looking into the legal side of building these for customers as it is a great way to keep the children entertained."
We would have KILLED for this fortress as a kid. Bella and Blake, you owe your dad a huge hug!