The traditional art of dry-stone walling is being taught on 20^th and 21^st November and 2^nd and 3^rd December at the Old Engine Shed, East Weares, Portland. Funded by the Portland Gas Trust, the classes - available to all members of the public will help safeguard the walls surrounding the historic building. To book your place, please contact Rachel Barton on 01305 824 144 (All individuals or groups welcome).

Dry-stone wall expert Sean Seaman will guide individuals keen to learn, providing a thorough basis for students to learn the techniques needed for this traditional building method.

The invited teams will rebuild key sections of a dilapidated wall near the Old Engine Shed over four separate sessions. One of the sessions (21^st November) will be handled by inmates from the Young Offender Institution, keen to take part and learn techniques from the past.

Dry-stone walling is extremely durable but has become seen as an antiquated, laborious building method. However, as well as being long-lasting, it's high on the list of environmentally friendly building methods - the stones are already there and use no binding agents to stick together. Once built, the wall creates a mini eco-climate for a host of flora, fauna and animal-life, keen to find shelter and stability in a natural setting.

The Portland Gas Trust is committed to local initiatives that support education, geology and the environment. The Old Engine Shed is a grade II listed building that The Portland Gas Trust plans to restore in a manner in keeping with its heritage. The roof will be re-slated and the interior walls will remain unplastered to preserve its industrial character. When restored, the centre will enhance existing initiatives on the island and further visitors' understanding of Portland's unique geology and history.

Rachel Barton, Trustee at the Portland Gas Trust, said: ‘Over the years, the skills behind dry-stone walling have often been overlooked for quicker, more modernised building techniques. The Portland Gas Trust is committed to refurbishing the Old Engine Shed using traditional methods. These courses will offer people in the area the ability to learn and understand a lost craft, while helping safeguard an important part of Portland's heritage to its original style.'

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