Stone walls and fences...

....snake across rolling hills and guard charming villages; they are part of what makes the Cotswolds area of south England so unique. The first stone wall built in this area dates back to 2000 BC! Most of the ones here now were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. It's really quite amazing that they're still in such great shape after so many years.

English ivy grows on everything here, sometimes covering entire walls

These walls, like the houses of this area, are made of local limestone and in large part have created the unique character of this area of England. But unlike the stone houses, no mortar or cement is used in their construction; rather they are "dry stacked" in such a way as to hold together for centuries. For the most part, they are in amazing shape and are only occasionally breached by a very large tree growing too close to it.

stacked stone wall borders the village graveyard

tiny purple flowers perch atop weathered stones

According to one article (see link below), there are 4,000 miles of dry stone walls in the Cotswolds. That's as long as the Great Wall of China! Originally their purpose was to divide property and contain sheep. Not every wall looks identical, as stones used often vary in thickness and color. Colors can vary from the characteristic gold (sometimes referred to as honey colored) to white or gray.

notice the width of wall, soil on top

moss also grows everywhere

Stone walls or fences can be seen throughout the countryside, serving as property boundaries or being used to contain sheep, horses or cows. As you might imagine, it's very difficult to capture good photos through a moving car or bus window. All photos posted here were take as I have meandered around the village on foot.

moss covered stone fence

Most of the walls are finished off by flat stones placed perpendicular along the top, though some will have a mortar top. Here is an interesting article on Cotswold dry stone walls for anyone interested in knowing more.

http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/userfiles/file/Publications/11_41_Walls_brochure_3.pdf

flowers planted in wall surrounding cottage

 

berries spill over vertical stones

Part of the charm is the wall or fence itself but many of them are made even prettier by flowers spilling over the edges. It's common to see moss or plants growing from the soil on top of the walls, either springing up naturally or intentionally planted there. And often times flowers or vines will drape or trail over from the opposite side of the wall.

colorful blooms on cottage wall

fuchsia draping over wall outside hotel

Pretty much every cottage is surrounded by a stone fence and most have flowers growing in the yard, in pots, along the fence line or all of the above. From the bedroom on the second floor of our apartment, we have a view of the neighbors back yards to admire roses, dahlias, marigolds and other plants blooming along the stone fences, along with their laundry flapping in the breeze.

street scene in the village of Styellow

yellow flowers make themselves at home on both sides of the fence