Dry stone walling in the UK

Our dry stone walling holidays run all year round at some wonderful locations across the UK. The techniques used will vary depending on your choice of location, as walling styles differ greatly across the UK but full training in the local style will be provided. On a number of these holidays, a professional trainer will be on hand to provide extra tuition.

Throughout history field boundaries have been constructed from local stone, where it is easily obtainable. These dry stone walls have become a classic feature of the landscape in many parts of the UK. They often have archaeological value, and provide important habitats for lichens and mosses.

Today, however, many walls are in a poor condition due to damage or neglect. This has led to a revival of interest in this craft and there are now many experienced wallers able to train others. Some volunteers have described dry stone walling as being like doing a three dimensional jigsaw. It's certainly a challenge but it can be immensely satisfying. Your hard work will leave a lasting impression on the landscape, helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy traditional countryside scenery for many years to come.

Our conservation holidays take place in some of the most peaceful and spectacular locations in the UK and last between 2 and 7 days in England and Wales or 10 days in Scotland. We even have a 28 day holiday based in the Shetland Isles in Scotland which takes places either in July or August. Our holidays often take place on land owned or managed by other countryside conservation organisations such as the National Trust, National Park Authorities and Wildlife Trusts, and our volunteers' work thus contributes to their management objectives for these sites.

Accommodation
Accommodation varies enormously but falls into three main categories as follows:
Superior - can include field studies centres, cottages or holiday parks. Showers and beds are available and full catering may be provided.
Standard - youth hostel or similar, usually with bunk-bed dormitories, a separate eating area, and showers where indicated.
Simple - village hall, caravan etc, usually consisting of communal area for eating, sleeping and living. Air beds or sleeping mats are usually provided but cooking and washing up facilities are basic and showers may not be available every day.

Leisure activities in your free time
Although your daytime activities will be taken up with conservation tasks, your evenings are free. After dinner, you can either do your own thing or enjoy the company of the other members of your group. On all holidays of one week or longer, you'll have a day off when you can explore the surrounding area. Activities are not organised but there will be plenty of information to help you and the group decide on your activities, which could include visits to local tourist attractions, shopping trips, a day at the seaside, walks, or other outdoor activities e.g. canoeing. The normal working day lasts from approximately 9am to 5pm, depending on the weather and how everyone feels. Tea breaks and a picnic lunch are an important part of the day. The day will normally start with a tools talk from the Project Leader and an explanation of what the project entails and why it is being done. You will be shown how to use all tools correctly and safely, and will be briefed on any safety issues specific to the site.

Although practical conservation work is very rewarding, it can be quite physically demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is required for all our holidays. During the day, however, you will be encouraged to work at your own pace, taking breaks whenever you need them. At the end of the day, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation. Most holidays are self-catering and everyone is asked to help out with the cooking, cleaning and washing up. Mucking in with these activities is part of the holiday experience!