HISTORIC dry-stone walls on Portland are being saved by young volunteers from the Young Offenders Institute and members of the public keen to learn techniques from the past. Funded by the Portland Gas Trust, the walls next to the Old Engine Shed at East Weares are being restored to their original design using traditional mid-nineteenth century building methods.

Over the winter months, dry-stone wall expert Sean Seaman has taught young offenders and other interested groups the skills needed to learn this traditional walling method. The volunteers’ work is progressing and the dilapidated walls near the Old Engine Shed are on course to be finished by early spring - returning the cliff wall to its 1850s glory. Dry-stone walling is extremely durable but became seen as an antiquated, laborious building method in the 1960s. 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.

 If you’re interested in learning the traditional craft of dry-stone walling, free course places are available to all members of the public on March 29 and March 30 at the Old Engine Shed. To book - please contact Rachel Barton on 01305 824 144 (All individuals or groups welcome).

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