Estate's dry stone wall restoration offers chance to build up new skills

WORK to restore a historical feature on a country estate in South Yorkshire is going ahead with the help of a £100,000 grant, and volunteers are required to help with the project.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jan 2010, 12:30 BST
Updated 28th Jan 2010, 12:30 BST

Staff at Wentworth Castle Gardens, near Barnsley, have embarked on plans to rebuild the estate's north Ha-ha wall, which once made up a trench designed to control livestock.

The trench was originally built with a dry stone wall to support the land on one side, but over the years the wall has fallen in places and work has already begun to replace it.

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Now experts overseeing the scheme are offering visitors a free "taster session" which will give them the opportunity to learn dry stone walling skills and play a part in the restoration.

The estate's heritage director, Vicky Martin, said cash for the job had been provided by Natural England. She added: "This is a wonderful opportunity for local people to learn some new skills and at the same time play a vital role in helping us restore this historic estate.

"The Ha-ha is very important and we hope that as many people as possible will come forward to assist us and support the ongoing work of Wentworth Castle Trust."

Anyone who wants to volunteer can call Wentworth Castle Gardens on 01226 776044.

Related topics:South YorkshireBarnsley