Dry Stone Walling Training & Qualifications 

The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA) is keen to work with colleges and training centres to promote the traditional craft of dry stone walling. We administer a Craftsman Certification Scheme which offers a suite of Lantra regulated (QCF) qualifications in Dry Stone Walling . Our local branches throughout the UK also offer beginner training and provide Instructors for delivery of training in colleges.

One of the great advantages of training in dry stone walling is the wide remit of career opportunities for dry stone wallers. No longer are they limited to maintaining field boundaries, there is now a growing demand for landscape wallers working with garden designers and artists, plus heritage projects restoring dry stone structures and features. Organisations like the National Trust, Forestry Commission, wildlife trusts etc are keen to employ people with qualifications in rural skills. Whichever branch of the craft, there is opportunity to earn a good living from dry stone walling. It is particularly useful if training is delivered alongside other countryside skills e.g. hedgelaying, arboriculture, fencing etc , to provide year round income.

Suggested courses suitable for inclusion of dry stone walling training:

  • Agriculture / land management

  • Horticulture

  • Landscape Design

  • Environmental Conservation

  • Estate Management

  • Construction

Qualifications Available:

Level 1 (Initial) Certificate in Dry Stone Walling (13 credits) Basic walling and repair work to develop the skills and knowledge required to progress on to further opportunities in dry stone walling and other related areas.

Level Two (Intermediate) Certificate in Dry Stone Walling (19 credits) Further develop dry stone walling skills and knowledge, including the construction of a cheekend. Achievement of the Level Two Certificate entitles the holder to become a professional member of the Dry Stone Walling Association.

Level Three (Advanced) Certificate in Dry Stone Walling. Higher level of craftsmanship, including features, retaining walls etc. This qualification is designed to enhance the skills of those following a career in dry stone walling.

LANTRA also offer a dry stone walling pathway via their apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation. We are keen to promote this apprenticeship and are looking for more colleges throughout the UK to deliver work based learning in dry stone walling.

DSWA can supply details of qualified DSWA Instructors in your area or offer dry stone walling training for your own college lecturers .