National Highways is helping to keep the traditional landscape of the Cotswolds alive thanks to one of its major projects.
The government-owned company is currently working on the A417 Missing Link scheme, creating 5.5kms of new dual carriageway between Gloucester and Cirencester.
Along the route, the team are painstakingly building 7.5kms of dry stone wall, which will be incorporated into the scheme to help the road blend into the landscape, protect sites of special scientific interest, such as where wildlife lives, and reinstate old walls that have fallen into disrepair.
The majority of the dry stone wall will follow alongside the new A417, with other sections along parts of the B4070 and Barrow Wake car park.
Part of the iconic nature of the area, a team of 12 masons have been on site since early 2024, building just one metre of wall every day. They expect to be finished in mid-2026.
The wall is being constructed to specific traditional standards, with the project taking on 12 skilled masons who were taught how to construct Cotswold stone walls by experts at the Dry Stone Walling Association.
In the summer, the scheme is hoping to take on an apprentice so the skills can be passed on to the next generation.
Steve Foxley, Project Director for the A417 Missing Link, 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 whilst also helping to keep traditional skills alive.
“Our project team has already started working with dry stone wall specialists using traditional methods to build new sections of wall alongside the new road. Visitors can already see the fruits of their hard work – and it is hard work!”
Like many traditional rural crafts, dry stone walling has experienced a decline followed by a resurgence of interest, particularly from those pursuing second careers.
Dry stone walls are strong structures, lasting hundreds of years, which are hand-built without any cement or mortar holding them together, creating boundaries and habitats, and are used to help shelter animals.
Many of the walls seen in the countryside today have been standing for over 300 years. It is said that some were built by Viking settlers and there are even dry stone walls in Orkney that are over 4,000 years old.
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. At Master Stone Masons, we take immense pride in ensuring that this tradition continues to thrive, maintaining the authenticity and character of these historic structures.
"A project of this significance demands the highest standards, and we are incredibly grateful for the invaluable guidance and expertise of the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA). Their dedication to excellence has been instrumental in ensuring that the quality of the work meets the rigorous standards expected of this traditional craft.
"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."
Natasha James, Senior Ecologist, 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, is just great for the landscape and ecology of the scheme.”
The landscape-led scheme, as well as preserving and enhancing the surrounding Cotswolds National landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), will help to eradicate the notorious bottleneck, unlock Gloucestershire’s potential for growth, support regional plans for more homes and jobs, and improve life for local communities.
National Highways’ A417 Missing Link scheme includes:
3.4 miles of new dual carriageway connecting the existing A417 Brockworth bypass with the existing A417 dual carriageway south of Cowley;
the section to the west of the existing Air Balloon roundabout would follow the existing A417 corridor. However, the section to the south and east of the Air Balloon roundabout would be offline, away from the existing road corridor;
a new junction at Shab Hill, providing a link from the A417 to the A436 towards Oxford and into Birdlip;
a new junction near Cowley, replacing the existing Cowley roundabout;
the existing A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Cowley roundabout would be repurposed, converting some lengths of this existing road into a route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while retaining other sections to maintain local access for residents.
On the environment, the project will also deliver:
5.6 miles of hedgerow
25ha of native woodland
4.3ha of scrub
7.6ha of native grassland
75ha of limestone grassland
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