About us
The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) was established in 1968 and is a registered charity that works to advance education in the craft and heritage of dry stone walling for the public benefit.
Since its formation the DSWA has grown in to a national organisation recognised and respected for its work. The national office is based in Cumbria and there are 19 regional branches spread throughout the UK.
Dry stone walls have been part of the landscape of the UK for thousands of years. The DSWA is the country’s only organisation dedicated to protecting this rich history.
It is estimated that there are approximately 200,000 km of dry stone walls in the UK but only a small percentage of these are in good condition, with many in an advanced stage of decay and/or derelict.
What we do
The DSWA is committed to raising awareness of the importance of our dry stone walls and their heritage to both the general public, land owners and the government. The Association, both nationally and through its network of local branches, runs numerous training courses throughout the year. This ensures the skills required to maintain and build new walls are passed down to the next generation of dry stone wallers.
How we work
Our National Head Office is based in Cumbria, supported by 19 regional branches across the UK. Each branch is run entirely by dedicated volunteers who generously share their time, skills, and experience to help others learn our craft.
Every branch is managed by a committee, including a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, ensuring good governance and operation. Branch training teams also deliver beginner courses to support new learners and members attend local shows to promote our craft.
The National Head Office oversees the charity’s administration, while the National Training Site hosts qualification courses alongside a range of educational events and training opportunities.
Find Us
Directions to the DSWA Head Office and National Training Site can be found here: Directions to DSWA
What3words:
National Training Site – ///zipped.peachy.pedicure
Head Office – ///stability.sparkle.blinks
North Yorkshire alone has 13,000 miles of dry stone wall. Help us look after it.Donate
