4 July 2011

Dry Stone Walling Course on Dartmoor

Learn how to build and repair dry stone walls on Dartmoor under the tuition of some of Devon’s best Master Craftsmen.

Dartmoor National Park Authority is offering a dry stone walling course in September this year, providing hands-on tuition in both dry stone walling and stone facing in traditional Dartmoor style. The course, which runs for 5 days over 2 weeks (7-9 and 12-13 September) will be held near Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and twelve places are available.

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s dry stone walling courses are run annually and take place at different venues on Dartmoor each year. The dry stone walling courses are part of the Authority’s programme to support and encourage the preservation and use of traditional rural skills in the National Park. No previous experience is necessary although participants should be aware that stone walling is physically demanding work, and a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Dartmoor’s stone walls are an integral part of the landscape, providing shelter and security for livestock and wildlife as well as being significant historical features. Their maintenance is only possible with the help and skill of local people. Anyone is welcome to attend the Authority’s rural skills courses but priority will be given to farmers and those living and/or working on Dartmoor, who will make use of their skills.  

The course is recognised by the Devon Rural Skills Trust (DRST) as providing a basic introduction to dry stone walling techniques. There are only twelve places available on this course with instruction provided by DRST Master Craftsmen.  Places cost £220 and also include certificated manual handling training.

For further information, or to book a place, please contact Sue Halse, Conservation Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority, on (01626) 831014.

Ends

For further information

Sue Halse, Conservation Officer,

Tel:(01626) 831014.

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel:(01626) 831045

Notes for Editors

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:

•    to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;

•    to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News.

For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk (external website, opens new window)

For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Online Shop

There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.  National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.