This weekend sees the latest Dyking Demonstration Joint Branch event take place at Threave Nature Reserve, with work underway 10am-3pm on Saturday (15th) and Sunday (16th). Visitors are welcome to witness the work underway, seeing the dyke being built and hearing from a variety of skilled dykers about the techniques and approaches used.
The SW Scotland Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association has invited members from across the country to an event at the National Trust Scotland’s Threave Nature Reserve to help build a hilltop viewpoint. A circular dyke will be built, for visitors to sit, rest and enjoy the panoramic views across the landscape. The event will allow dykers from other areas to discover the characteristics of a local dyking tradition and is an opportunity for onlookers to see how a drystone dyke is constructed.
Visitors are invited to attend at any point, no booking required. Event sign-posted from the Threave Nature Reserve Car Park.
Nic Coombey, from the SW Scotland Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association, said:
“Watching a drystone dyke being built will help visitors appreciate the skills required to build a feature that is an integral part of our culture and will stand the test of time in the Galloway landscape.”
The Event is being part funded by a contribution from the Galloway Glens Scheme and hosted by the National Trust for Scotland. David Thompson, Head Ranger at Threave Nature Reserve, said:
“It really is brilliant to be hosting the DSWA joint event here at Threave Nature Reserve again, to showcase sustainable, traditional heritage skills. Not only is this crucial to keeping a heritage skill alive, but it’s also important for wildlife as landscape feature and habitat for many species.”
