There is disclosed an earth cutting apparatus (200) comprising a plurality of articulated elements (210, 212) including at least a first element (210) having a mounting structure (214) thereon and an adjacent second element (212) hingedly connected to the first element (210). An earth cutting member (216) is provided including a proximal end (216.1) which is pivotally mounted to the mounting structure (214) of the first element (210) and an earth cutting end (216.2). The earth cutting member (216) is slidably connected (218) to the adjacent second element (212) and moveable between an extended position (220) and a retracted position (222), such that hinged movement of the adjacent second element (212) relative to the first element (210) causes the earth cutting member (216) to slidably extend from the adjacent second element (212) to the extended position (220) for operatively cutting earth. Hinged movement of the adjacent second element (212) in an opposite direction causes the earth cutting member (216) to slidably retract to the retracted position (222).