Case Study: Cotswold Dry Walling Stone/Oxford Shingle

Smiths’ helping hand at Farm Museum

In response to an appeal by the charity running The Cogges Farm Museum, Smiths’ helping hand was to provide almost 5 tonnes of Cotswold Dry Walling Stone for the repair of the ‘miles’ of old Cotswold stone walling around the museum, plus 23 tonnes of their popular 20mm Oxford Shingle for the main courtyard.  We also provided over 3 tonnes of the slightly smaller 10mm Oxford Shingle to repair footpaths at the Museum.

The Cotswold stone was quarried and hand sorted into Smiths bulk bags at the newly opened Smiths Rollright Quarry and delivered to Witney where the Wallers laid it ready for use. If preferred, ‘loose’ loads and customer pickups can also be arranged.    Cotswold Dry Walling Stone

Volunteers from the Wychwood Project are repairing the numerous dry stonewalls, using traditional methods and under the watchful eye of their expert Waller, Trevor Townsend.

Trevor and his assistants have mentioned how good the stone is from Smiths, great colour, a good supply of different sizes that are ready to build with. Just a few minor adjustments to the stone-or ‘knocking off’ as it is termed-are required to ensure the perfect fit.

Although this particular case is a repair project, the art of building (as well as repairing) a dry stone wall is a true art form in itself. There are a range of helpful hints and guides regarding Smiths’ Cotswold Dry Stone Walling on their website, including how to build a dry stone wall and how much to order.

Part two of Smiths’ helping hand was to upgrade the Cogges Farm courtyard, which is a very large and well-worn area. It is now covered with 23 tonnes of Smiths’ Oxford shingle. Produced locally at Smiths’ Gill Mill Gravel pit at Ducklington, near Witney, the shingle has a blend of neutral beiges and cream/Cotswold colours mean that this product suits a wide range of settings. The 20mm Shingle was spread evenly over the area, which has completely transformed the courtyard. Smiths’ Oxford Shingle is a hardwearing, very practical and visually pleasing solution to an area that has constant heavy foot traffic. It’s also good for driveways and beds down well to take vehicle movements. For lighter pedestrian use, the farm used the 10mm Oxford Shingle for their footpaths. It’s easy to lay and very easy to maintain and at Cogges Farm Museum the shingle’s creamy colour matches perfectly with its Cotswold surroundings.

This product is just one of the many decorative shingles Smiths have to offer. All of which are suitable for drives, paths or garden landscaping projects. They are an attractive alternative when used in the garden (or flowerpot) as a weed suppressor!!

If you require further information on any of Smiths products just follow the link  Decorative Shingle

The Cogges Farm Museum, based in Witney, Oxfordshire, is a registered charity; and like most charities is dependent on donations of time, money or materials.

Due to the local donations and promises of help the farm opened it’s doors again in March 2013, proving to be an excellent attraction to all ages with its farm animals, historic Manor house and the atmosphere of the working farm in previous centuries.