Dry stone walling experts join garden repair project

VOLUNTEERS and staff at Wentworth Castle Gardens, near Barnsley, have called in dry stone walling experts to help them restore a historical feature which has fallen into disrepair.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Aug 2011, 07:00 BST

Wentworth Castle Heritage Trust, which runs the estate, the Steel Valley Project and Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Academy are all involved in the effort to restore its East Ha-Ha.

Cash for the project has been provided by the Penistone-based East Peak Innovation Partnership which distributes grant money to rural projects in the Barnsley area.

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Walling instructors from the academy have trained 12 conservation volunteers and staff with the aim of restoring the feature, which is part of the Grade-I listed historical landscape.

A trust spokesman said: “The East Ha-Ha was an integral part of the landscape of Menagerie House, the Umbrello Monument, and ornamental lakes that lie within its bounds. It was created in the mid 18th century to allow uninterrupted views but to prevent grazing animals getting in from the adjacent parkland.

“In the last 30 years this feature has gradually declined to the point where over 40 metres needs significant repair.”

On Saturday, October 8, Wentworth Castle will hold a free all-day session to allow members of the public to get involved. A further three trainers from the academy will again deliver instruction in building retaining dry stone walls on the Ha-ha to beginners.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Kate Hughes at Steel Valley Project on 0114 283 0880 to book a place.

Related topics:VolunteersBarnsleySteel Valley Project