SIX half-tonne poetry stones have been hoisted into place atop cliffs lining the Purbeck coast.

The stones, laid along a 600 metre stretch of pathway above Chapman’s Pool, near Worth Matravers, were laid by volunteers from Dorset’s branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association.

Walkers are now able to read the stones, which have been carved by stone mason Anna Bowen with phrases by local poet Paul Hyland.

Each stone was lifted into place using a tripod and pulley system.

Branch secretary of the Dry Stone Walling Association Sally Fielding 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 the chance to publicise our organisation and interest them in dry stone walling.”

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

Dry stone walling is an ancient method of construction whereby buildings and walls are made from stones without any mortar to bind them together.

Purbeck coastal ranger Jenny Penney 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 satisfying to see the wall being reconstructed piece by piece.”

  • To learn dry stone walling, contact Jenny Penney on 01305 251000.