UPPER DEARNE WOODLANDSCONSERVATION GROUP

Rebuilding a Drystone Wall

Building Drystone Walls is an old craft that goes back hundreds of years. The skills had almost disappeared, but groups of enthusiasts have revived these and are now passing them on to others.

In need of repair

The first job is to dismantle the wall, stacking the stone to the side. Usually the stone is stacked to both sides, but it was essential that the lane was not blocked.

The wall is taken down

Sometimes if the foundation stones have moved it is necessary to re-lay them. In this case they were fine so they were just cleaned up.

Down to the foundation stones

Ten tonnes of new stone is delivered to the site from a local quarry. When rebuilding a wall there is never enough of the old stone to be found.

A tight fit

The wall is made up of two parallel rows of stones, and the gaps along the centre are filled with small broken pieces which are carefully packed in.

The first layer of stone goes down.

The strings along each side of the wall help to keep it straight. These can be moved up as the wall rises. The formers make sure that the wall is narrower at the top, this helps to keep it stable.

Formers and strings are put in place.

A few words of guidance from the expert.

The Instructor

A short break and a chance to ease those aching backs.

Smile for the camera.

“Do you think it will hold our weight?”

Getting near to the full height.

“Where do you think they are all going?”

Leave it to the ladies.

“I’m sure I saw a stone down here that will fit.”

The last little corner.

“I’m ready for a nice cup of tea.”

Almost There!

Large stones joining the two sides of the wall together. These are firmly wedged together keeping all the other stones in place.

The ‘Toppers’ go on.

The work began at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday and the wall was completed on Sunday by 3.15 p.m.

A job well done.

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The End

Photographs © M. & P. Markham