TEN years ago dry stone walls were becoming a crumbling relic on East Lancashire’s rural landscape.

But following a recent resurgence in the age-old craft, the moors and rolling hills are slowly but surely returning to their former glory.

And a Burnley businessman is reaping the rewards of the rise in demand for the traditional approach to countryside-building.

Gary Howell, 34, has been able to expand his business from part-time to full-time, thanks to funding from the No Limits Constructing The Future scheme.

He puts the resurgence down to an ‘improved awareness’ of heritage and the environment.

He said: “Even five years ago dry stone walling was a lot more prevalent in the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales, but it does seem to be becoming more popular down here now.

“People seem to have more awareness about maintaining the rural appearance and recycling, so I think it comes under the same umbrella as that.”

Jerry Climpson, operations manager at the National Stone Centre, added: “Dry stone walling is enjoying a resurgence at the moment.

“We run training courses for lay people interested in having walls in their gardens and we also run professional courses and there has been an increase in demand for places on those courses.”

Gary was introduced to the dry stone walling trade 20 years ago when he helped out on a local dairy farm.

He previously worked as a bricklayer until he decided he wanted to specialise in dry stone walling because of its unusual nature.

He holds the Master Craftsman Certificate, is a professional member of the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) and has worked overseas as a dry stone waller in Australia, building stone barbecues and retainer walls.

The 33-year-old said: “I wanted to go full-time because it’s a skill and a craft rather than just a trade. If the walls are built properly they should last 100 years and they’re an awesome habitat, not just for creepy crawlies, but also song birds and small mammals.”

Following funding from No Limits CTF, which supports people to start and grow their construction businesses, Gary was able to buy an off road vehicle, which allows him to access rural parts of Lancashire.

Donna Marshall, from the project, said: “We are always overjoyed to hear a success story as a result of our work and are pleased that Gary’s business has significantly improved with our help.”

  • For more information call 07737 891152 or email stone.waller@gmail.com.