How do I join the DSWA?

Visit our Join Us page to access the membership application form. There you can either pay online with a card or complete the postal application form, along with the direct debit form and return it to the DSWA office to get started.

How can I pay for my membership?

You can pay your membership fee in two easy ways:

  • Direct Debit
  • Secure card payment through our PayPal checkout (no PayPal account required)

Choose the option that works best for you and complete your membership quickly and safely.

Where is my nearest Branch?

Visit our Branches page to find the one closest to you.

As a member, you can join up to three Branches to stay updated on news, events, and opportunities.

Branches are a great place to:

  • Build and practice your skills
  • Learn from experienced members
  • Take part in shows and demonstrations
  • Support local dry stone walling projects

Explore your options and get connected today!

How do I book a dry stone walling course?

For beginner courses, please contact your local branch.

For our four-day courses, get in touch with the DSWA Office.

You can find full details on our Training Courses page.

How do I find out about dry stone walling qualifications?

We are proud to offer the DSWA Craft Certification Scheme, a globally recognised standard for dry stone walling.

The scheme demands candidates to achieve the highest standards, testing their skills and proficiency against stringent marking criteria. The scheme is accredited by awarding body Lantra and recognised by Ofqual for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

Visit our Qualifications page to explore the full details of our craft certification scheme.

Do you have any training manuals that I can buy?

We offer a range of instructional books and publications covering both the construction techniques and the history of dry stone walling.

See the Shop pages.

How do I find a dry stone waller in my area?

The easiest way to find a qualified dry stone waller near you is by using the Professional Register in the Professional Wallers section of our website.

The register lists experienced and accredited dry stone wallers from across the country. You can search by area to find professionals near you, view their details, and choose a contractor who suits your project needs.

Using the Professional Register helps ensure you are contacting wallers who meet recognised DSWA standards of skill and craftsmanship.

I have a wall on my land, can I remove it?

Government guidance advises landowners to preserve these features wherever possible and therefore you should not remove dry stone walls or remove stone from them. Please see www.gov.uk and search for protecting rural landscapes and features.

Dry stone walls are an important part of the rural landscape and may be legally protected.

Before carrying out any work, it’s strongly recommended that you check the relevant guidance and seek appropriate advice to ensure you remain compliant with regulations.

How much does it cost to rebuild a dry stone wall?

This depends on many factors, such as the dimensions of the wall, the condition of the wall and the type of stone.

Traditionally dry stone walls were charged by a linear metre but this obviously does not account for the height. It is more common today for dry stone walls to be charged by the square metre.

For a rebuild where all the stone is to hand, one might expect to pay between £60 to £100 per square metre.

If it is a new wall where stone is required, then it will require 1 tonne of stone to build 1 square metre of wall. Building stone costs anywhere between £60 to £120 per tonne. Therefore the approximate price range for a new wall is somewhere between £120 to £220 per square metre.

This is only an estimate as costs can fluctuate according to all the factors mentioned above.

I have a derelict wall on my land, is there any funding available to repair it?

Generally speaking, funding to repair or rebuild dry stone walls is only available for walls on an agricultural holding that is registered under an agricultural- conservation scheme such as the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

More information can be found at www.gov.uk by searching for countryside stewardship grant finder (BN12 stone wall restoration).

Walls within designated areas such as National Parks, AONB’s or Conservation Areas, may also be eligible for funding through local grants.

Does a dry stone wall need a concrete foundation?

No, a dry stone wall does not need a concrete foundation.

Dry stone walls by there very nature are intended to be able to flex and settle through the action of the weather and frost. The vast majority of walls found in the British Isles have lasted hundreds of years built in this fashion.

I want to apply for a CSCS card, how do I do this?

The CSCS card for dry stone walling is now issued as the LISS/CSCS Card and is administered by BALI.

To apply for the Blue Skilled Worker Card (Dry Stone Walling), you must meet the following requirements:

Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for your LISS/CSCS card online using the link here.