The correct way to dig in sandpiles is the latest course given ... Once in a while the prospective ditch-diggers go farther afield for their exploits than their little piles of sand.

Dig out trenches to a spade's depth, known as a 'spit', and about 30cm (12in) wide. Place the soil from the first trench on the ground in front and work backwards along the plot, turning the soil ...