Work to transform a steep, unloved back garden into a tranquil yet functional space has been rewarded with a Certificate of Merit under the Pinnacle Award Scheme run by the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA). 

What started out as plans to create two simple terraces with basic access steps evolved into a creative project incorporating 'flying' cantilevered steps, a curved seating area and a three tier water feature. To achieve this, more than 150 tonnes of soil and rubble were removed from the site and approximately 140 tonnes of sandstone brought in from local suppliers WEL Leach Quarry and AD Calvert.

Mark Scott, the owner of the garden in Baildon, West Yorkshire, was delighted with the work, which was carried out by local professional members of the Dry Stone Walling Association John Hulbert, Neil Beasley and John Downie. Mark Scott is a trainee waller himself and did help out. The garden also includes the work of water feature specialists and electricians. 

Certificates are awarded to the owner and the wallers involved, although a presentation has yet to be made, given the restrictions currently in place in terms of gatherings.

The DSWA says: “It's always a pleasure to recognise good quality work and we were pleased to be able to award the Certificate of Merit in the Landscaping Category for this project, which highlights what can be achieved in a relatively small space.”

The Pinnacle Award Scheme is run by the DSWA to recognise outstanding projects that incorporate dry stone walling. Originality of design, creative and imaginative use of stone and the waller's skill are all taken into account when assessing a project submitted under the scheme. 

This is what the garden looked like before the work was carried out.