Learn The Art of Dry Stone Walling
On a 2-day beginners course, held in association with the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA).
Our two day dry stone walling course is perfect for beginners wanting to learn this fascinating heritage skill. All courses are run by experienced and qualified DSWA certified instructors, with public liability insurance.
The course runs over two days, during which time you will take down and build a section of existing dry stone wall. During the course you will learn about important topics like:
- Health and safety
- Use of tools
- Preparing the site
- Laying foundations
- Building the wall
Printed materials are provided at the end of the course. You will leave with the satisfaction of knowing you have built a wall that will remain standing for the next 100 years.
Places on the courses are limited, allowing us to maintain a proper ratio of participants to instructors. This ensures you receive plenty of individual attention.
Cancellation Policy & Important Information
- Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts.
- You must be at least 18 years of age to attend this course.
- We strongly recommend the wearing of steel toe-capped boots. Wearing trainers or other light footwear is not acceptable and will result in you being refused participation on the course.
From only £120 per person.
Book your place now by contacting Paul Clayton.
2024 Training Courses Dates
March 23rd & 24th
Burnedge Bent Farm, Grasscroft OL4 4EB ///magnum.upstarts.funds
May 4th & 5th
Roundhill Farm Fram, Dobcross OL3 5BF ///repayment.roofs.status
July 13th & 14th
Werneth Low Visitor Centre, SK14 5LR ///noise.dangerously.went
August 10th & 11th
Crompton Moor, Shaw, OL2 8NA ///blotches.sifts.loans
September 21st & 22nd
Burnt Spring Farm, Grains Bar, OL4 2JY ///casino.putty.tape
Planned Dates for 2025
- March 22nd & 23rd
- May 3rd & 4th
- July 12th &13th
- August 9th & 10th
- September 20th & 21st
Our training sites are mainly on working farms in the Saddleworth area. The dates above are correct at this time but exact locations and travel directions will be given to participants nearer the time.
I really enjoyed my 2 day dry stone walling course where I learnt to safely demolish a damaged wall and then to build it’s replacement. All the DSWA members were keen to share their knowledge but also to make it an enjoyable experience for all the trainees. I came away from the course, not only with the satisfaction of being part of a team which built 71 feet of wall and an appreciation of the skill required, but also with a wish to carry on walling.
Further Course Information
We are proud of our courses, we want trainees to enjoy them and we think they are good value for money offering as they do:-
- Instruction by qualified and experienced DSWA instructors who are first aid trained – you will be in good hands with people who know exactly what they are doing.
- Lots of help from experienced branch members
- Lovely sites to work at that have been prepared especially for trainees
- Insurance with NFU Mutual
- Provision of gloves, safety glasses and all tools and equipment
- A simple clean toilet on site
- Relevant written material to take away and read at leisure
- Course content which has been carefully thought out
- A friendly, relaxed working atmosphere with time to discuss issues and have a joke
- A tangible result in the shape of a real wall which will stand for many years to come
- Progression with the DSWA Lancashire Branch if you wish to do more
Lovely weather for the course at Round Hill Farm – Chris Bolshaw , the instructor, explaining the programme for the two days.
Excellent group of trainees who built 20m of new wall at Gorse Hall – the ranger was, quite rightly, very pleased with their efforts.
August 2017 – Another excellent group of trainees – our first course in 30 years where the ladies have outnumbered the fellers! Everybody did a great job and the farmer was thrilled with the 17m wall they built.
I booked onto the Beginners Course in May 2022 to improve my knowledge and skill of dry stone walling. The instructors and volunteers were very welcoming and I enjoyed every minute of the training weekend. I have since become a member of the Lancashire Branch and continue learning at the monthly practice meets.
Course Content
All of our courses are suitable for both beginners and improvers and are run by qualified DSWA instructors who are also professional wallers and certified First Aiders. We have no age barriers but you do need to be able bodied. Our training sites are rural and very pleasant to work at and It is our intention that the two days you spend with us are both enjoyable and instructive. Please look at the Gallery page for pictures taken on training courses over recent years to get some idea of what is involved.
Each course is run over two days:-
- DAY 1 9:00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m
- DAY 2 9:00 a.m. until we finish
The course will cover:-
- Health and safety
- Use of tools
- Stripping Out – Taking down and laying out a dry stone wall
- Setting frames and lines appropriate to wall size
- Laying foundations
- Building the lower wall (first lift)
- Correct use of packing or hearting
- Placement of through stones
- Building of upper wall (second lift)
- Placement of top stones – cover bands or toppers
Our courses are very practical and over the two days you will take down and rebuild a section of damaged dry stone wall. The new wall that you will build will be a ‘working’ wall and it will serve a real purpose. It will stand for many years after you leave the site – We guarantee them for 200 years!
You can work at your own pace and there is plenty of opportunity for discussion. As well as the instructor you will work alongside experienced wallers from the DSWA Lancashire Branch who are there to give you any assistance you require.
Places on courses are limited to a maximum of 8 participants per instructor to ensure that you get plenty of individual attention.
Gloves, protective glasses and all of the tools that you will need are provided.
A simple, clean toilet is provided at the site.
Course Cost
£120.00 per person for 2 days, to be paid in full before the course by cheque or cash on the day.
Cancellation Policy
We have only ever cancelled a course due to extreme circumstances, but the branch reserves the right to do so should we consider the course non-viable for whatever reason (eg. severe weather warnings, foot and mouth outbreaks, pandemics etc.). Wherever possible at least one week’s notice will be given and participants will be offered a place on an alternative course or given a full refund.
For further information and to check availability, contact Paul Clayton (Secretary) on 07733 103 500 (evenings or weekends only) or e-mail lancashire.dswa@btinternet.com.
What You Will Need
YOU MUST WEAR STOUT BOOTS, ideally with steel toe caps, if you have a pair. Wellingtons and trainers are NOT suitable footwear. We take our duty of care to you very seriously indeed and we will not let you commence the course if we think your footwear puts you at risk of injury.
You should bring FULL WATERPROOFS (jacket and over-trousers) and a hat if it is likely to be cold or wet and remember to bring sun-screen and a sun-hat for courses run during the summer.
You will also need to bring your own drinks and a packed lunch.
Don’t forget your camera/phone; you will want to take pictures.
Following Your Course
Many people who attend our courses want to continue to improve their walling skills. The best way to do this is to join the Dry Stone Walling Association (currently £45 per year) – you will then be eligible to attend any of our monthly walling practice sessions free of charge. As a DSWA member you will also be eligible to attend practice meetings organised by other branches throughout the country although some do make a charge.
Gift Vouchers
It is possible to purchase vouchers which can be given as presents. These vouchers can be presented against the cost of any of our courses.
Value of vouchers £ 25, £50 & £75, with the remainder to be paid on the day, for the full cost of the course.
Please contact our secretary Paul Clayton for details.