Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) Visit Website  Contact Details Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, Lane Farm, Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7NH
Tel: 015395 67953 Email: information AT dswa.org.uk
About The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) was founded in 1968 in Kirkcudbrightshire, by the late Mrs Murray-Usher and the Stewartry Drystane Dyking Committee. Since those early days, the Association has continued to expand and currently has over 1300 members in the UK and overseas. Dry stone walling in Britain stretches back at least three and a half millennia, to the village of Skara Brae in the Orkneys, and the Iron Age brochs of northern and western Scotland. Dry stone walls are found in Britain, and elsewhere, where large quantities of rock and stone are found above the soil, and especially where trees and hedges do not grow easily because of the climate, elevation, strong winds or thin soils. This is why dry stone walls are most prominent in northern and western Britain, and often at the higher altitudes. Today dry stone walling is prospering with an upsurge in interest in the environmental value of walls and the growth in prestigious garden, landscape and artistic projects. Dry stone walls are an important feature of the British landscape which should not be taken for granted. As interest in environmental issues increases, dry stone walling sits comfortably within these parameters, being a sustainable product made from natural materials. Although initially appearing more expensive than fencing, with regular maintenance a dry stone wall could stand for 100 years and at the same time offering shelter and habitat for a wide variety of animals, birds and plants. DSWA membership is available to everyone. There is an active network of branches covering much of the country, from the Isle of Skye, through Central Scotland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Wales and down to the South West of England.
Literature There is a wide range of free leaflets available from the office although a small charge is levied to cover the cost of postage on bulk orders There is a range of books, videos and DVDs available from the office
Courses DSWA branches offer a range of short courses, mainly for beginners, but there are some opportunities for more advanced training. Courses are also run by a number of colleges throughout the country. The DSWA Craftsman Certification Scheme, run in conjunction with Lantra Awards, offers a series of nationally recognised qualifications in dry stone walling. Currently Levels 1 (Initial), 2 (Intermediate) and 3 (Advanced) are available.
Events The DSWA, and more specifically the local branches, organise and attend a range of events throughout the year.
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