A FIVE-YEAR project to repair 400 metres of wall along a popular path has been completed.

Dorset dry stone wallers are celebrating the restoration of 400 metres of wall at Goulds Hill between Upwey and Martinstown.

The wall is part of the South Dorset Ridgeway and runs along the inland route of the coast path.

Work to restore the wall began in 2015 under the South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership Scheme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Jill Hearing, Reconnecting the Ridgeway project officer, said: "Drystone walls are a key feature of this special landscape, but are costly to maintain and repair, and it's thanks to the amazing efforts of so many volunteers, turning out in all weathers, that this one has been restored to its former glory.

"It stands as a magnificent tribute to their efforts, and it's right on the South Dorset Ridgeway National Trail, so do come for a walk in this fabulous location to admire it and appreciate all the effort that has gone in to restoring it."

Volunteer wallers from both the Dorset branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association and the European Conservation Action Network contributed to the restoration. In addition, the Dorset DSWA ran courses along the wall to train novice wallers in restoration, a number of whom have been inspired to attain certification and turn professional.

A four-day ‘Wallathon’ in May 2018 attracted more than 50 professional and volunteer wallers from around the UK and the Netherlands. This event marked the 10th anniversary of Dorset DSWA and the 50th anniversary of the DSWA of Great Britain.

Sixty metres of the Goulds Hill wall was rebuilt and a special commemorative stone was carved by Patrick Cooper from Weymouth Stonemasonry College.

Local stone is Portland limestone but the Portland quarries do not supply walling stone. Therefore, Purbeck limestone, obtained from quarries around Langton Matravers, was used to rebuild much of the Goulds Hill wall although existing ancient stone dug from the farm fields was also incorporated. When walking by, look out for big chunks of flint, a handy material for tools made by our Neolithic ancestors whose monuments helped landscape the Ridgeway.

Wendy Manning, Chair of the Dorset DSWA, hopes to encourage would-be wallers to get involved. She said: "We always have room for new members who would like to learn this heritage trade and help restore these lovely old walls across Dorset."