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A dry stone wall, also known as a drystone dyke or drystane dyke, is a wall that is
constructed from stones without any mortar to bind them together and relies on special
construction for its strength and durability. Good quality local materials, combined
with proven methods of building, produce an enduring, solid, fireproof and weatherproof
construction. Natural stonework requires little maintenance and may last for centuries,
all the time improving with age, and will outlast a fence many times over.
Dry Stone Works can repair, rebuild and
create traditional boundary walls and field
walls.
Field Dykes
For farmers, dykes are important stock barriers or field boundaries, providing a
windbreak which can shelter grazing livestock and wildlife. Compared with other types of
field boundary drystane dykes have the advantages of permanence, minimal management needs
and providing shelter.
I work with many stone types and am conversant with building most features to be found
in a length of dry stone eg. stiles, curves, hogg holes and walls on sloping ground.
Garden Dykes
and Features
Natural stonework will improve the appearance of any landscape or garden. It is a
beautiful and traditional alternative to many of the manmade materials seen today.
Walls have wonderful character and add a much sought after traditional look.
I can recommend stone to suite a specific location to create features like terraces,
raised flower beds, steps, arches and ornamental elements. I will work with you to carry
out custom commissions to your own specifications.
Repairs
With
time,
even the
best drystane
dykes can move and lose their line.
Depending on the amount of deterioration,
the dyke can either be " gapped up" by
repairs on the remaining standing dyke or
taken down to the foundations and completely
rebuilt.
Nature conservation
In terms of nature conservation, dykes provide an important wildlife habitat.
Dykes contain numerous holes and cracks and this provides dry, sheltered sites for
birds, insects and small mammals.
Dykes are also often colonised by mosses and lichens and, in time, conditions may develop
to suit ferns and flowering plants |
