So, you fancy a career in dry stone walling?

Its the best working lifestyle you can have!

Keep fit, well tanned, time to contemplate and a brain teasing conundrum to solve, all while you are enjoying it..... 

It sounds lovely, you often hear people say, I bet it's therapeutic, or I would like to work outside enjoying the sunshine and listening to the birds like you, but.......

While these thoughts and many more are positives for a career in walling, before you rush in, there are some downsides to consider. 

The weather for one is not always sunny and warm.

We have had some very cold and snowy weeks this winter. Sometimes it is simply not possible to work in these conditions, stone can be frozen to the ground or snow will be all over the whole working area. You may have to cover all your stone! Once conditions improve you will find you just have to get on with it cold fingers and feet come with this territory.

Although there are three dry days a week on average during the year in the UK that means you may face a few wet working days on a frequent basis. This is not always pleasant with muddy conditions prevailing, sometimes several clothing changes can be required throughout the day, and quality waterproofs are paramount.

You need tools and they are not always cheap

If you complete a beginner course with the Dry Stone Walling Association or a similar training organisation such as The Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild you might be forgiven for thinking all you need to be a dry stone waller is a bucket with a hammer and some line bands, with maybe a radio.

And thats ok for a bit of gapping or a small garden wall but most jobs require a bit more kit! Apart from the necessary tools ( a hammer, chisel, line bands, shovel, mattock, wrecking bar, road pins, level, set square, sweeping brush, bucket, waterproof workwear, tape measure, saw, tree loppers) did I forget anything? To take on bigger jobs you might need a 4WD vehicle, tipper trailer, somewhere to store stone, petrol stone saw, generator and various power tools. 

A real luxury would be a tractor and trailer, stone cropper, a steel container to store tools in, cement mixer, 4wd dumper and a mini digger. So you can see a fair bit of expense, but it can be worked up to if you are committed.

For every professional dry stone waller earning a living plying his or her trade there will be plenty others who have tried and failed. 

Its hard work but very satisfying and you will have a great sense of achievement, your work will last for decades and for some it will take you to the very top of your game, you could achieve the status of a master craftsman with the DSWA or design garden walls and features for wealthy clients. With this skill you can work virtually anywhere in the world all you need is commitment and a good eye for stone!