Inspecting a Dry-Stone Wall for Movement
Walk the wall slowly twice a year, and again after hard frosts or very wet weather, looking for change rather than perfection. Sight along the top line for dips that suggest settlement, and check the faces for bulging sections, leaning stones or capstones sitting tilted or out of line. Note gaps where hearting has washed out, soil spilling at the base, and stones that have dropped from the face. Small movements matter because dry-stone work relies on friction and balance: one displaced stone loosens its neighbours. Photograph anything doubtful from the same spot each visit, so slow movement becomes easy to spot before it turns into a collapse.