Calling all dry stone wallers

DRY stone wallers throughout the region are being invited to enter the 2008 Millennium Wall Competition, organised by rural economy experts, the CLA.

Aimed at preserving the county’s ancient craft of dry stone walling, the biennial competition recognises and rewards the people behind the miles of distinctive walls that define Yorkshire’s famous landscapes.

Held in association with the Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild, the competition is believed to be unique in Britain as it judges new or rebuilt walls in the countryside and is not a contest between wallers building temporary short stretches.

CLA Yorkshire regional director, Dorothy Fairburn, said: “The Millennium Wall Competition is a great opportunity to promote the skills and achievements of those who work to preserve Yorkshire’s dry stone walls and ensure the continuation of the craft.”

Marks are awarded for use of local style, impact on the landscape, tidiness and difficulty of terrain. The winner receives the perpetual challenge trophy – a stunning engraved glass walling stone.

The current title holder is Yorkshire Dales sheep farmer and two times winner, Stan Bargh, who rebuilt many miles of walls on the steep and rocky fell sides near Ingleborough.

The competition is open to all wallers who live and work in Yorkshire and is free to enter. Further details and an entry form is available on the Yorkshire pages of the CLA website - www.cla.org.uk - or by calling the CLA on 01347 823803.

Entries close 30 June 2008.