Drystone walling, also known in Scotland as Drystane Dyking, is a traditional craft of the Celtic peoples. Stone cleared from fields was used to build field walls as fencing for livestock, property boundaries, and buildings. Traditionally trained wallers learn from other masons, masters of the craft with generations of engineering and artistic knowledge. The traditional craft of drystone walling is alive today in both its historic form and has been adapted to use in landscape design.
Nels Atkinson is a certified Journeyman level drystone mason. True to the tradition of the Journeyman many drystone wallers travel extensively for training and jobs. He has traveled, worked, and trained throughout the United States, Northern England, and Scotland. Neil is happy to share a demonstration of an actual field wall build throughout the weekend and be available to answer questions for festival goers. He’ll share pictures and information about walling styles and methods from all the areas he’s traveled trained and worked in.
