Give and take for those with a sense of adventure

A sense of adventure and a love of Dartmoor are two requirements for a unique dry stone walling experience taking place on the edge of Gidleigh Parish on 17 and 18 August.Set in a stunning location the event has been organised by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project and is supported by the National Park and the Duchy of Cornwall.The Fernworthy newtake (the name newtake describes an area of land newly enclosed or ‘taken’- although this activity is no longer recent or ‘new’) is typical of many newtakes on Dartmoor, comprising a large area of rough moorland on the edge of the open common. Its history is shrouded in the mists of time but may be associated with ancient rights of tenement, allowing enclosure of rough ground when land was passed from father to son. During the 1800s ‘improvers’ enclosed common land under licence and this resulted in miles of walls taking in significant tracts of land - Fernworthy newtake could equally have been created during this period. Each newtake has a name, inspired by its location and character, and many form parish boundaries or important gathering points on otherwise featureless areas.Ian Brooker, National Park Sector Ranger said:‘I have always admired Fernworthy Newtake and the effort and skill involved in its creation. The granite walls are such a feature of the high moor, but require ongoing maintenance to conserve their function and character.’The style and character of newtake walls depends on location, age and the local geology. Many are single skinned with later walls comprising of larger moorstone dragged into position using ponies and sleds. In situ large rocks or boulders are often incorporated in the line of the boundary and different styles can be identified reflecting an individual or the nature of the stone.Participants in this unique event will learn the art of dry stone walling from an expert and have the option to camp out under the stars, enabling them to make the most of their time on the course.Martin Stallard will lead the event and is a qualified dry stone walling instructor. Martin said:‘There are so many different styles of walling on Dartmoor there is always a new challenge around the corner. People on these courses get such a lot out of doing something practical and the setting and location of this course is really special.’As part of their experience participants will meet the tenant of the newtake and local commoners to find out more about farming and the unique challenges faced in managing livestock on the hill.David Attwell of the Hill Farm Project said:‘One of the highlights for participants is meeting the graziers and understanding more about common land and its relationship with the home farm.  Participants not only go home with a new skill but importantly a better knowledge of what’s involved in managing Dartmoor’s unique landscape.’Participants can either join each day or take the opportunity to camp out overnight to make the most of the training and the location. The course costs £20.00 per person and it is advisable to book early for this unique experience. For further details and to reserve a place please contact the Hill Farm Project via hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk or call 01822 890913.