Road scheme to protect 'look' of the Cotswolds

The dry stone wall is being built alongside a new dual-carriageway scheme

A scheme which will see 5.5 km (3.4 miles) of new dual carriageway built between Gloucester and Cirencester is also employing a team of traditional stonemasons.

National Highways, which is responsible for the A417 Missing Link project, say it will help the scheme blend into the landscape, help protect sites of special scientific interest and reinstate old walls that have fallen into disrepair.

The Government-owned company says the traditional look of dry stone walls is part of the iconic nature of the area.

The work is a painstaking process - a team of 12 stonemasons has been on site since early 2024, building a metre of wall a day. They expect to be finished in the middle of 2026.

The A417 Missing Link road project is aimed at improving journeys from Gloucester to Cirencester

The majority of the wall will follow alongside the new A417, with other sections along parts of the B4070 and Barrow Wake car park.

The team working on it were taught how to construct Cotswold stone walls by experts at the Dry Stone Walling Association.

It is hoped an apprentice will be taken on in the summer so the skills can be passed on to the next generation.

Bernard McEnroe is the Managing Director of Master Stone Masons UK

Bernard McEnroe, managing director of Master Stone Masons UK, said: "We're delighted to be involved in this incredible project, helping to preserve the timeless beauty and heritage of the Cotswolds.

"Dry stone walling is an age-old craft that not only defines the landscape but also embodies the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

"Preserving heritage is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to play our part in keeping the Cotswolds' iconic landscape intact for future generations."

Celine Acard, Senior Project Manager for the A417 Missing Link

Natasha James, senior ecologist on the project, added: "It's great to see the walls come to life, knowing that they will become a valuable habitat feature for many species as well as looking incredible.

"It is just great for the landscape and ecology of the scheme."

It is also hoped the Missing Link work will create new hedgerows, scrubland and grassland.

Project director Steve Foxley said: "Our work on this vital scheme goes beyond simply building a new road, but also helping to preserve and enhance the landscape.

"We're delighted to be able to support such worthwhile projects which will help to support and reconnect the A417 with local heritage and the landscape while also helping to keep traditional skills alive."