Teaching skills needed to make dry stone walls

The courses will be held on Thursday, September 3 and Friday,September 4. Depending on interest another training event may be organised at a later date.

A dry stone wall also known as a ‘dyke’ is constructed from stones without the use of mortar to bind them together. Examples of notable dry stone walls in Northern Ireland can be found in the Mourne Mountains and in the Glens of Antrim.

Dry stone walls are an important component of the landscape. They are durable and attractive field boundary features which will last for many lifetimes if properly maintained. Dry stone walls provide excellent shelter and homes for a wide range of small mammals, birds and insects.

While many dry stone walls have been well maintained and remain effective stockproof barriers, others are in need of rebuilding. T

he course will take place for one day and will include both a classroom session and on site practical. Course content will include, health & safety, types and styles of dry stone walls, site preparation, stone selection and wall building.

Participants are asked to bring strong work gloves, steel toe capped boots and warm outdoor clothing. Safety spectacles may also be required.

If you would like to attend one of the Dry Stone Walling training events, please contact CAFRE’s Development Service admin, Greenmount Campus 028 9442 6770 or email: [email protected].