Dry Stone Wall Preservation Group
The Dry Stone Wall Preservation Group is interested in maintaining dry stone walls and the skills and techniques used to build and maintain them. Many areas of Tasmania retain dry stone walls as farm fencing and garden and village features and there are signs and remnants of past stone walls in various places across the landscape.
The Dry Stone Wall Preservation Group has interests in all areas of Tasmania, including Hobart, Oatlands, Exeter and Deloraine. We are interested in expanding to other areas where there are keen stone wall builders and carers. Most members are also members of the Dry Stone Walls Association of Australia (www.dswaa.org.au), although this is not compulsory.
The group provides opportunities for professional wallers to be accredited. The first such opportunity is happening on the 17th November when 3 people will be assessed at Level 1. They have to demolish and re-build 2.5m of old wall in 7 hours! Come along and watch while hearing Geoff Duggan, Australia's only qualified Master Craftsman dry stone waller, speak about his passion for this old craft.
Members of the dry stone wall preservation group have been busy locating and recording (photos, written records and mapping, etc) walls in Tasmania. The walls vary considerably so details of differences are important.
The group is concerned to help people appreciate old walls, repair them and if they need to be removed, to recycle the stones into new walls. Workshops have been organised, appeals made to local planning authorities to protect remaining walls, and wonderful new walls featured in magazine articles through networking with journalists.
Contact President: Eleanor drystonewallspreservation@gmail.com
If you are not yet a WILDCARE member and would like to join this group, join WILDCARE Inc (either online, by mail or in person at any Service Tasmania outlet, Parks Visitor Centre or the WILDCARE Inc Office) and then list this group on your membership form.
If you are already a member and would like to join this group, either go to your personal details in the members only area to include the group or contact office@wildcaretas.org.au to change your details.
