The Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) in the UK is host to this year’s 12th biennial International Dry Stone Walling Congress. It will be held at Ambleside in the Lake District 4-6 September. It is open to anyone, not just DSWA members. Places are £100 each for the three days, not including accommodation.

The theme of the Congress is Dry Stone Walls as part of the Cultural Landscape. And it has clearly fired people’s imaginations. More than 30 papers have been submitted from wallers in France, Italy, Spain, America, Australia and Greece as well as from all parts of the UK.

There will be formal presentations and site visits and it is planned to offer a programme of events around the Congress.

DSWA Cumbria branch are organising a number of ‘fringe’ events including short, guided walks around Ambleside, possibly visiting a local tearoom or hostelry.

For skilled wallers, the National Trust, in conjunction with Fix the Fells, is offering free accommodation at its High Wray basecamp in exchange for doing some walling. Or you can stay there during the Congress for £10 a night, self catering. Further information and a booking form can be found on the website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk under working holidays.

Other accommodation is available, including special rates for the Conference on campus.

In North Wales a series of quarry-based talks is planned, including a two-day course in building clawdd walls.

And the Derbyshire DSWA branch is hoping to join forces with the College of the Peak and Derbyshire Eco Centre to run a series of events there.

You can find out more and complete a booking form online.