WALL builders will put their skills to the test at this year’s Cotswolds Dry Stone Walling Competition, with the chance to win up to £120.

The Gatcombe Park Estate, home to Anne, Princess Royal, will be the setting for the competition which is taking place on Sunday, September 16.

Organised by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, in partnership with the Cotswolds branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA)

Depending on which class they enter, competitors will have to strip and rebuild a certain length of wall to the correct specification, with marks awarded for quality of foundations, cope stones, sides, middle filling, batter and straightness.

Edward Bonn, Rural Skills Officer at the Cotswolds Conservation Board, said: “This competition celebrates the traditional art of dry-stone walling in the Cotswolds, and is open to any participants and spectators who would like to participate. In particular this year, we are really keen to welcome competitors into the ‘beginners’ and ‘pairs’ categories – both of these offer a fantastic opportunity for people to learn more, and develop their walling skills and knowledge.”

The competition is free to enter and has four classes: Professional; Amateur/Part-Time Professional; Novice; Beginners Pairs. The draw for stints takes place from 8.45am with work completed at 4.15pm and prizes awarded at 4.30pm.

Anyone wishing to enter the competition can do so by emailing ruralskills@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk or by calling 01451 862000.