Ancient South Devon boundary wall saved

National Trust has been able to carry out extensive repair work to dry stone walls around East Soar Farm near Salcombe. Funded through Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, these boundary walls are over 200 years old.

Contractor Mark Newman Stonework has been working with his team for three months, repairing and rebuilding in total over 350m of wall. Some of the work has been on some very steep cliffs where the wall has collapsed over time and has been a challenge for the team to work on, particularly in the recent weather.

Mark Newman comments: "It has been great to work with the National Trust in such a beautiful area of Devon; we are really pleased that an investment has been made in these walls so they are a feature for years to come."

There are extensive walls around the Warren between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail; many have been repaired through the hard work of volunteers such as the South Devon National Trust volunteer group, while other sections have suffered badly from collapse and long term wear and tear. 

South Devon Countryside Ranger Emma Reece explains: "Dry stone walls are expensive to repair and maintain and require a high level of skill to ensure the wall is stable. There are no short cuts with concrete or mortar to hold stones together! Because of this cost they are often left to fall into disrepair and replaced with cheaper stock netting and fencing."

With funding assistance from Natural England through the Stewardship Scheme, farmers and landowners are encouraged to maintain the walls. They are important historic landscape features and also offer a habitat for wildlife and shelter for animals, particularly when compared to a stock fence. Many plants, lichens and moss, as well as reptiles and amphibians, can be found on the walls.

Simon Tame of Natural England said: "It’s great news that the historic dry stone walls around East Soar Farm are being restored for everyone to appreciate into the future. This is a great example of how Natural England works in partnership with the National Trust and local communities to help with the conservation of the heritage and natural beauty of the Westcountry. 

"By supporting this kind of local project, the Environmental Stewardship Scheme is helping the area’s farmers and backing traditional rural skills businesses."

Next time you are walking around The Warren and Soar Mill Cove take a moment to admire these walls. They have been a feature of this dramatic landscape for hundreds of years, and will now continue to be for many more.