Author: Helen Lewis

DRY STONE WALLING AND THE UK LIVING HERITAGE INVENTORY

The UK is in the process of compiling an Inventory of National Living Heritage and there is more detail at the end of this post. The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) are engaged in this process to include the craft of Dry Stone Walling as our living heritage and join an international… Read more »

DRY STONE WALLING: The Anthology

An illustrated, international collection of poems and prose celebrating the craft of dry stone walling. The Next Big Step for the Anthology DSWA Member Terry McCormick, has been working hard on this project which is now complete and ready to move forward. All that is needed is the funding to make this into a book… Read more »

Massive Thank You to The Ernest Cook Trust

Over the past year, the Ernest Cook Trust has opened doors and created life-changing opportunities for our apprentices and we want to celebrate their incredible journeys. Kaden Lindersey shares:“Since coming out of prison at 21, I struggled to find a job or fit back into a social environment. Then I was offered an apprenticeship through… Read more »

DSWA Members Event at NT Threave Nature Reserve

Dry Stone Walling Weekend in SW Scotland The SW Scotland Branch is delighted to invite DSWA members to a special weekend event at the stunning NT Threave Nature Reserve near Castle Douglas, on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th July 2025. Join us for two days of hands-on walling, shared learning, and community spirit in one… Read more »

Emma Knowles Becomes Australia’s First Female DSWA Master Craftsman

Last week, Emma Knowles travelled all the way from New South Wales, Australia to (an unusually sunny!) Crooklands to take on her Masters Part B accreditation. This challenging assessment involves building 5 metres of wall, including a feature and Emma chose a right-angled corner.

Not only did she complete it within the timeframe, but she also did so to a very high standard!

DSWA Summer Fete – Celebrating Craft -14th & 15th June

It’s less than 2 weeks until the DSWA Summer Fete and Social Weekend on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June, celebrating craft, hosted by the Derbyshire Branch. Book your tickets now!   Please see the flyer / programme for the full list of attractions and activities, lots to see and do for all the family! Location: Nightingale Centre,… Read more »

Dave Goulder Presented with British Empire Medal

On Saturday, 19th April, Dave Goulder—DSWA Master Craftsman, author, and folk musician—was formally presented with the British Empire Medal (BEM) by Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott in a special ceremony held at the Oykel Bridge Hotel, attended by his family. Dave received the BEM in the King’s 2025 New Year Honours List in recognition of… Read more »

DSWA 2026 Calendar Competition

Have you considered trying your hand at walling photography? Now could be the time to start as we’re excited to announce that the 2026 DSWA Calendar competition is now open! While all photos will be considered, we are particularly looking for images that capture wildlife, flora, and fauna in and around our dry stone walls.… Read more »