Wonder wall

A new one-mile traditional dry stone wall is built at Hillhead Quarry as part of long-term restoration programme

A NEW one-mile long dry stone wall has been built at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, in Buxton, Derbyshire. The quarry, which forms part of the Chatsworth Estate, is currently out of commercial operation, but Tarmac are fully committed to enhancing the site.

As part of a long-term restoration programme at Hillhead, the one-mile stretch of wall has been built along the southern boundary. Richard Hulse, estates manager for Tarmac, said the limestone feature replaces a concrete post and wire fence that had been erected by the Ministry of Defence, which had previously used part of the land.

‘It looks pretty fantastic,’ commented Mr Hulse. ‘The dry stone wall has not only improved the look of the area considerably, but it is in keeping with the area and keeps alive a wonderful old rural craft.

‘Dry stone walls were used at the higher altitudes in Derbyshire where quantities of rock and stone were found above the soil, and where trees and hedges did not grow easily because of the climate, strong winds and thin soils. Importantly, dry stone walling not only offers shelter for livestock, but it also creates a habitat for a wide variety of other animals, plants and birds.

The wall was built over six years by Brian Coles, a local craftsman who has specialized in the traditional technique of dry stone walling for 25 years. ‘There were about seven of us who worked on the wall on and off during construction,’ said Mr Coles. ‘We had to stop over the winter when the weather was bad, though, as it was pretty inaccessible.

Mr Coles and his staff used reclaimed limestone that was around the site from an old wall and topped it up with limestone from the quarry. ‘When you have done a dry stone wall, you really feel you have achieved something special,’ he continued. ‘It was a very big job, but we are very pleased with the outcome.’