This National Careers Week we wanted to shine the light on the different avenues into this heritage craft. Although Apprenticeships are a great way into the craft (as proved by our past schemes), they are not always available. We have spoken to three wallers to see how they became a professional dry stone waller.
Simon Morphet
How did you become a dry stone waller?
I first came across dry stone walling through my young farmers club where I entered a competition aged 13. From there I was approached about doing some gaps for a local farmer as I seemed to enjoy it and after a while a few more got in touch and soon weekend and school holidays were spent largely walling. Around this time i also sought out more dry stone walling competitons as it was a side of the craft I enjoyed. This led to me coming across the DSWA and becoming a member. Fast forward a few years and I took the job up full time when I left school and worked my way up through the DSWA certification scheme to Master craftsman
What helped you most along the way?
I’d advise putting yourself in situations where you can learn from others of different skill levels. This is why i think the competitions are so beneficial when starting out in walling. Being someone who was largely self taught myself, it gave me a great opportunity to pick up tips and tricks off others whilst comparing what you already did well. The same goes for the DSWA certification scheme. You’re getting taught and given feedback by the best wallers in the country, you cant help but improve.
For those wanting to take up walling as a career, be proactive, get out there and do it, get some stone passed through your hands, it’s the best way to learn.
Louis Francis
How did you become a dry stone waller?
I’ve been working with stone for 18 years, starting as a classically trained stone carver. My passion has always been about creating lasting memories through art — from sculpting to letter carving. In 2013, I founded Francis Stone Design, and I’ve been honoured to include work at places such as Windsor Castle in my portfolio.
Just after the first lockdown in 2021, I took a leap into dry stone walling to extend my skills and challenge myself in a new way. As someone who is profoundly deaf, every day comes with unique challenges, but I was determined that nothing would stop me. I believe I may be one of the first deaf dry stone wallers in the world, which makes this journey even more meaningful.
What helped you most along the way?
Dry stone walling has strengthened my confidence, especially working outdoors in the quiet of the fields. Being part of the DWSA community has been incredible — the support, guidance and camaraderie give me strength and inspiration to keep growing.
For me, stonework isn’t just a craft — it’s a way to push myself, create lasting memories, and prove that barriers are there to be broken. I truly believe that disability should never define what you can achieve. If you have passion, determination and pride in your work, there is a place for you in this industry.
Roger Burrows
How did you become a dry stone waller?
I started walling professionally after moving to Cumbria from Essex. I had no experience whatsoever in dry stone walling, so I completed two separate DSWA beginner courses — one in Cumbria and one in Derbyshire. Both were great and helped me realise that it was something I wanted to pursue as a career.
I then completed the training week and assessment for my Level 1 at Crooklands and passed. In the following weeks, I competed in a few competitions where I met lots of professional wallers. This gave me the opportunity to work with some of them and continue learning the craft. I’ve now been walling for over a year and have loved every second of it, and everything the craft has to offer.
What helped you most along the way?
I would say there are two things that have helped me most along the way.
One was throwing myself into competitions when I knew very little and felt totally out of my depth. Competitions are a brilliant way of learning to wall whilst under time pressure and aiming for a very high standard.
Secondly, having the right attitude. I started knowing nothing. I still know very little. But every day I wall I learn a little more. Being open to advice and accepting criticism from people who know far more than you has helped me massively. All the people I’ve met through competitions and social events have been very open to sharing their knowledge and love for walling.