Stone pitching is a specialised skill used to construct solid and durable paths in the countryside. As there is a shortage of individuals and landscape contractors with stone pitching skills, the National Park Authority has joined forces with the National Trust Cymru and Natural Resources Wales to arrange a special stone pitching training course.
Stone paths are commonplace in the uplands of Eryri. As well as providing walkers with a solid and durable path, they also fit in well with the area’s rugged landscape. By incorporating bespoke stone features such as culverts and water-breaks, water runoff and erosion can be controlled.
To enable the development and growth of future footpath programmes, the three organisations have come together to arrange a special stone pitching training course. The course is open to individuals or businesses who have an appropriate level of experience in stonework. Completion of the basic level course will qualify participants to attend the higher-level training course that covers specialist structures such as clapper bridges, culverts and water-breaks.
Course participants will be grant sponsored and all travelling expenses will be reimbursed. The training course will be held at the National Trust Cymru site in Craflwyn, Beddgelert in February and March, with the training being delivered by experienced footpath workers.
Hywel Jones, the National Park Authority’s Access Projects Officer said:
“This course will offer a further qualification and create more job opportunities for local contractors in rural areas of Eryri. As well as giving the local economy a boost, in turn it will also help to support thriving and living communities.”
Simon Rogers, Countryside Manager, Eryri and Orme for National Trust Cymru said:
“Our footpath teams are proud of their craft and are keen to share their knowledge with other stoneworkers. By investing in these skills locally we will ensure that people can continue to enjoy Eryri’s stunning landscapes for many years to come.”
Paul Williams, Senior Officer Land Management for Natural Resources Wales said:
“National Nature Reserves and this course will be very valuable in ensuring the skills are available locally to help NRW to protect them as part of our wider work to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.”
Spaces on the course are limited, and completion of the basic course is required to qualify for the higher course. To express an interest in attending, interested parties must complete and return an application form by Friday the 16th of February 2024.
