Cotswold Dry Stone Walling Courses at Notgrove
Dry stone walling is an ancient tradition here in the Cotswold's, in olden times it was used to clear stone from arable fields so that crops would grow better and was then used to create divides between fields to keep stock in – or out!
These walls as well as dividing the fields also provided valuable shelter for livestock in harsh weather, before the use of modern field shelters, who sheltered behind the wall.
In modern times wire fences have taken over in most areas due to ease and cost, dry stone walling is an art/skill and requires training and practice, therefore a metre of Cotswold drystone walling costs in excess of £100, whereas a metre of modern post and rail fencing with stock wire costs around just £8 per meter. So more and more drystone walls are being replaced as they fall down with modern post and rail fencing changing the landscape entirely.
However, at Notgrove they like to keep these old skills alive and sustain the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in a number of ways including repairing and rebuilding historic dry stone walls.
Previously working with the Cotswold Conservation Board Rural Skills Centre running Beginner’s Dry Stone walling courses. Now, as the Board no longer provides courses, Notgrove have teamed up with one of their instructors to continue where Rural Skills left off. Notgrove have joined in partnership with Richard Gray of Hillrise Stonework who is a professional member of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA), to lead the drystone walling courses at Notgrove. The courses are for those 16 yrs. old and over wishing to improve their skills or those wishing to learn a new skill. Richard is using the walls at Notgrove to teach his two-day beginner courses and they look forward to hosting courses for those wishing to become a professional drystone wallers in the near future.
Notgrove Dry Stone Walling courses run from 24 June until 22 October at just £150 per person - 2023 course dates will be announced soon.
For more information or to book, please see below.
Explore Gloucestershire
20 May 2022
For further information.
OTHER NEWS
