Stone wall repair focus for master craftsman

THE Leigh and District Landcare Group is hosting dry stone wall expert David Long who will be sharing his skills of the craft.

Russel Coad, who owns the property at Barunah Park where the session will be held said it’s important people preserve this aspect of the area’s history.

“There’s a lot of dry stone walls through our district and they’ve been there many years, built about 170 years go in the 1840s and 1850s,” he said.

“They are built out of surface stone and it was one of the very first forms of fencing when this area was first settled.

“They’re a pretty significant landmark.”

Mr Long was the craftsman behind the construction of the welcome to Inverleigh entrance and has years of experience.

During the session, participants will learn about the history of the fencing technique, and how to successfully maintain them.

“It’s an information day being organised by the local Landcare group and they’ll be a little bit of history,” said Mr Coad.

“We’ll also do a little bit of repair works on some of our walls which have started to fall down.

“If people are interested in preserving stone walls on their property, they can learn a little about the method required.”

Mr Coad said he hopes this ancient practice can be maintained in Victoria for years to come.

“I think there’s been a gradual deterioration of these walls over a fairly long period of time, and they do have some heritage overlays on them in many parts of Victoria so if they’re here it’s important we try and maintain them,” he said.

The session will be held on Saturday 24 June from 9.30am at 1375 Cressy-Shelford Road, Barunah Park. To book tickets visit bit.ly/3oKGNYr.