About West Country Walling

A little bit of history

Company founders, Matthew Chapman and William Lawton both learnt their craft using Cotswold Limestone and have a vast portfolio of wall repairs and new builds concentrated in their local area in Wiltshire.  They have a combined experience of over 30 years.

They founded West Country Walling in 2014, having attained certification with the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain.  As professional members of this association they are expected to adhere to the ‘code of practice’ which seeks to promote the best practice within the craft of dry stone walling.

Below is a time-lapse video of a dry stone moongate built in Wiltshire in December 2016.

Below is an interview by BBC Radio Wiltshire with Matthew Chapman about our work with a traditional craft.

Dry stone technique

“Gravity is stronger than mortar”

A dry stone wall is constructed from stones without mortar to bind them together.  The structural integrity arises from gravitational forces and the interlocking of the stones achieved by using the world’s most ancient building techniques.

A well-built dry stone wall will last for many lifetimes and will mature and gain strength over time as it settles in on itself.  Water drains harmlessly through it and the crooks and crannies become nature’s corridors, providing a valuable wildlife habitat for plants, animal and insects.

Dry stone walls characterise the British landscape and are an intergral part of the charm and beauty of our countryside.