OBJECTIVES
To identify, survey and enhance the current area of dry stone walls in the County of Cheshire.
NATIONAL TARGETS
Although there is no UK Action Plan for dry stone walls, the National Habitat Statement suggests that targets similar to those should be aspired to.
LOCAL TARGETS
50 surveys to be undertaken by end of 2005.
1/4km of dry stone walls to be 'gapped-up' by end of 2005.
Halt the decline in length of dry stone walls by 2010.
CURRENT STATUS
Dry stone walls are more than just a field boundary or a barrier for containing stock. They give beauty and character to rural landscapes. They are valuable habitats for wildlife. They tell us about the history of a place and connect us with our past. Yet they are threatened by destruction and decay.
What is a dry stone wall? It is a practical yet attractive form of field boundary built without mortar or cement. This allows the wall to settle into the landscape, and gives strength and resilience to survive harsh climates and frosts. In Cheshire they are built of either gritstone or sandstone, this being dependent on the location where they are to be found, the skill lies in making the best use of local materials. Since we can date walls by the lichen on their surfaces or by the age of artefacts found buried in them, we know that many stone walls are hundreds and even thousands of years old.
Why are dry stone walls important? For agriculture, because they:
- contain livestock;
- shelter crops, livestock and buildings on the leeward side up to 8 to 12 times the height of the wall;
- prevent soil erosion;
- provide employment in a skilled craft;
- outlast other types of field boundary many times over and prove more economical in the long run.
For wildlife because they:
- act as corridors for wild mammals moving from one place to another;
- provide nesting and perching sites for birds and roosting holes for bats;
- are germinating sites for plants;
- are superb surfaces for mosses and lichens;
- harbour insects and reptiles in their holes, nooks and crannies.
NB: Owing to the specialist knowledge needed to record the many lichen, moss and fern species in Cheshire, their distribution and status is not as well known as for some other species. There are, however, a number of factors affecting the many species found on stone walls – air pollution, for instance, especially from diffuse sources such as motor vehicles which raise concentrations of ammonia in the air. This can subsequently result in the decline of the more rare lichens that depend on nutrient-poor conditions. Localised nutrient enrichment can also occur where livestock concentrate in one area or where dung or fertilisers are spread. Excess shade from shrubs and trees can affect some mosses and lichens on dry stone walls. Recreational use can also cause local damage, i.e. by indiscriminate climbing onto walls or tramping of ferns, mosses and lichens.
For culture and history, because they:
- draw on the character of the landscape;
- tell us about the history of a place and its people;
- show us how land was divided and managed in the past;
- contain archaeological monuments and artefacts
THREATS
- Removal – Nationally over 7000 km (4500 miles) of stone wall disappeared between 1947 and 1985. The main culprits are building development, road construction and people who steal the stone for garden rockeries and decoration.
- Neglect - 96% of dry stone walls are in need of restoration. A national survey (Countryside Commission 1996) indicated that of England’s estimated 11,200 km (7000 miles) of dry stone walls nearly 50% are ruinous, derelict or not stock proof and that restoring the country’s walls to a stock proof and excellent condition will cost £3 billion.
- Thoughtlessness - People who clamber over wall instead of using stiles often dislodge the top stones which causes the rest of the wall to crumble and collapse. Olympic sheep and deer can also cause damage in a similar fashion!
The status and situation in Cheshire varies from location to location.
The majority of dry stone walls are left unmanaged and any reconstruction of walls is normally carried out with grant aid from an agri-environmental scheme.
NB: In terms of nature conservation importance fallen or derelict walls can often be equally important as standing walls. This is particularly the case in the more intensively farmed areas where fallen walls and their associated grassy margins provide cover and habitat for a wide range of species.
CURRENT ACTION
- Agri-Environmental Schemes - Any farm or estate currently entered into an agri-environmental scheme in an Environmental Sensitive Area (ESA) or in the DEFRA Countryside Stewardship Scheme has had the walls on the holding identified in the conservation audit. These walls are protected under the conditions of the scheme and should not be removed. Grants are available under the current agri-environment schemes to fund dry stone wall restoration.
- Advice - FWAG and DEFRA employ advisors who can provide farmers with advice on grants available for dry stone wall restoration. Some of this advice is available free of charge to the farmer.
- Dry stone Walling Association - has 20 branches nationally, of which one is located in Cheshire. The Cheshire branch, which is particularly strong, consists of 58 members, including professional and amateur wall builders. The group’s main remit is to train new members in the art of dry stone walling, whilst more advanced classes are held for old hands at which members can learn the art of building on steep slopes and that of artistic dry stone walling.
- Cheshire Landscape Trust - a member of the DSWA and can offer advice. For the past 10 years CLT has run a number of ‘Have A Go’ dry stone walling workshops for the general public. It is leading on the Dry stone Wall Survey in the County for which volunteers are required. Survey materials are provided free of charge and workshops held.
- British Trust for Conservation Volunteers – runs dry stone walling courses etc
- Local Heritage Initiative – a joint initiative of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nationwide Building Society and the Countryside Agency – Can consider grants of up to £25000 to cover 60% of the project costs. The remaining 40% may be made up from in-kind donations, volunteer labour, or a mix of these. The grants are for community based projects coming under any one of the following areas: archaeological heritage, built heritage (specifically maintain walls), customs and traditions and industrial heritage.
- Promotion of the importance of walls in terms of biodiversity, shelter, stock proofing and local distinctiveness
ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+
- Identify the true extent and quality of walls in Cheshire by 2005
- Prevent further decline in the length and quality of dry stone walls in Cheshire
- Continue to promote the importance of dry stone walls in terms of biodiversity, shelter, stockproofing and local distictiveness
- Ensure walls are protected from further destruction and removal
- Encourage the uptake of agri-environmental schemes, such as Countryside Stewardship, to restore and maintain dry stone walls
- Continuation of Dry stone Wall survey
ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY
- Many people have attended workshops
- Uptake of Stewardship
- A number of surveys have been completed
ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS
BTCV |
CLT |
CWT |
| DEFRA |
DSWA |
Farmers |
| FWAG |
Groundwork |
Landowners |
| Local authorities |
Parish Councils |
Peak National Park |
OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS
CONTACT
John Gittins, Cheshire Landscape Trust
Phone: 01244 376333
Fax: 01244 376016
REFERENCES
Countryside Commission (1996) – The Condition of England’s Dry Stone Walls
Date compiled - 2005
Date reviewed -
