About
At Notgrove they offer beginners dry stone walling training and improvers workshops which are both hands-on 2-day courses. These are led by highly skilled, qualified and experienced instructors who are professional members of the Dry Stone Walling Association. This is the first step towards the DSWA Craftsmen Certification, the only industry recognised and NVQ equivalent qualification in dry stone walling.
Whether you just want to have some fun and a go at something completely new, develop your ability towards developing a specific skill in walling or progress to a DSWA qualification, their training aspires to engage at every level. Their courses run throughout the year, but not in inclement weather.
They can also arrange corporate events as part of a team building challenge or corporate activity day.
One of the best things about offering these courses is getting feedback from people when they finish. Participants often tell them about their real sense of satisfaction and achievement having enjoyed being outside in the fresh air, discovered new skills and knowing they have helped to conserve one of the country's most important landscapes. Sometimes they even leave some 'treasure' in the walls that might be discovered in another 200 years. They pride themselves on the fact you will be making a dry stone wall in the Cotswolds National Landscape which is built to last!
This is not a course during where you will simply take down and rebuild the same piece of wall over and over again – on their courses, you will be building a permanent wall on the farm to keep in livestock.
On the beginners course you can expect to spend two days surrounded by the beautiful Cotswolds landscape, learning about: dismantling walls, stone sorting, laying foundations, building up of the wall, adding through stones and coping stones, dressing the stone, different types of stone, the necessary tools and how to use them, and much more!
For both Beginners and Improvers Courses the Instructor will also offer trainees advice on any post-attendance wall projects they have or career development in stonework, by email or a site visit.
Beginners Course
Perfect for beginners, no experience necessary
2-day course
£199 per person
Suitable for people aged 16 and over
The course is taught outside so please bring weather-appropriate clothing: warm clothing / layers, waterproofs, gloves, sturdy shoes/boots, hat, and sun cream
You will also need to bring a packed lunch and drinks, plus a pair of working/gardening gloves
All other tools and equipment will be provided
A portable toilet will be provided where toilet facilities are not available, with details provided in course joining instructions
Parking will be available with further details provided in the joining instructions.
Our 2025 drystone walling courses will run on the following dates:
Beginners Courses:
12th & 13th April
24th & 25th April
17th & 18th May
19th & 20th June
5th & 6th July
31st July & 1st August
13th & 14th September
2nd & 3rd October
11th & 12th October
Price is £199 pp. To book go to: https://notgroveholidays.com/activities/dry-stone-walling-course/
to add an item to your itinerary basket.
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