Dry Stone Walling
Dry Stone Walling Workshop
Course Overview
This Introduction Course will give you the information to construction a basic dry-stone wall, how to place secure footings, to place stones to a line and batter, the use of through stones and copes and most importantly, what makes it stay up without any mortar. The theory is simple but it takes practice to do it well and so the course is very hands-on and practical.
This course will give you the basic knowledge of how to construct your own wall ( A two day course is also available to book to allow more hands own practice with a tutor and learn a few more Drystone Walling secrets /skills ! )
The emphasis will be on teamwork and safe working and there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get individual feedback.
Dry stone walling has taken place in the UK for over 3500 years, and each region has developed its own techniques and styles to make best use of the local stone. From the slates of the Lake District, through the familiar Yorkshire sandstone, to the random limestone of Derbyshire each stone lends itself to different style. We will be using oolitic limestone, quarried near Stamford and a building wall in the style of the limestone belt that runs through the Cotswolds, through Northants and up into Lincolnshire. The walls here do not have to be high, as rich grazing means that the southern sheep are less inclined to clamber over, and the thinner bedded stone available leads to the distinctive look of Cotswold farmland.
The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity.
Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers.
During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
What You’ll Learn
- – Learn stone selection and coping techniques.
- – Shape, set, and lay stones with hands-on practice.
- – Build skills to construct or repair dry stone walls.
- – Create history with 140-million-year-old limestone.
Good to know:
Please note that though the course should be accessible to any moderately fit and active person, walling is an inherently physical activity.
We will be moving stones, and some of these will be heavy. It is essential that you have the following equipment:
- Boots or shoes with toe caps – when you drop a stone it won’t completely spoil your weekend!
- Gloves – builders type gloves are good and cheap.
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided for this course.
This course is held outside next to the training barn. Please come dressed in clothes you do not mind getting dirty. If you have your own safety boots (steel toe capped) feel free to bring them with you, if not we will be able to supply you some. If the weather is looking grey please bring waterproofs, again these can be supplied if needed.
Key Course Details
When: 26th July (One day course) or 13th & 14th September (Two day course)
Duration: 6 hours (One day course) or 12 hours (Two Day Course)
Class Size: 8 people
Cost: from £120
Materials: Included.
Times or dates don’t suit? Let us know, and join a waiting list.
About the Tutor
Your tutor on this course will be Tim Mason, a Dry-Stone Walling Association Advanced Level Waller. Prior to the last twelve years, spent walling, Tim taught in secondary schools for 20 years, and so teaching walling combines two of his great loves.