Volunteers from Dorset’s branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association have laid the last of six poetry stones beside the South West Coast Path near St Aldelm's Head in Dorset.

Volunteers from the Dry Stone Walling Association after the final poetry stone had been laid.

Situated above Chapman’s Pool, near Worth Matravers, the poetry stones are spread along 600 metres for passers-by to read.

A phrase for each stone was written by local poet Paul Hyland. The word design and carving on the stones was carried out by experienced stone mason Anna Bowen.

Dry stone walling is an ancient building method where structures are made from stones without any mortar to bind them together.

Each poetry stone weighed over half a tonne and had to be lifted into place using a tripod and hoist pulley system.

Sally Fielding, Secretary for the Dorset branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association said:

“It is very satisfying to have completed the task and we have enjoyed every minute of it. We have also found that it was an excellent way to meet members of the public, who were walking the path from all over the country. It gave us a chance to publicise our organisation and interest them in the craft of dry stone walling.”

The laying of the poetry stones is part of a larger scheme to improve the condition of the path wall.

Jenny Penney, Purbeck coastal ranger for Dorset County Council, said:

“There is still a lot of work to be done to refurbish the wall in between some of the stones and, although it is a long job, it is very satisfying to see the wall being reconstructed piece by piece.”

The scheme has been funded by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team and the Purbeck Keystones Project.

If anyone is interested in learning the skills of this ancient management technique and perhaps become a volunteer for the service please get in touch with Jenny Penney on (01305) 251000.