Drystone walling workshop
Fri, 12th - Sun, 14th May 2023
During this weekend workshop you will learn the basics of dry stone walling. Led by the association Dragodid, the focus will be on the practical experience of rebuilding dry-stone walls, but we will also cover how their ecological and historic importance.
The Croatian coast and islands boast a rich heritage of dry stone structures, including walls, shelters, water catchment areas, lime kilns and barns, with Brač being amongst the locations with the highest density and diversity of such structures.
Their construction was once an integral part of peasant life in which men, women and children engaged.
Dry stone walls and buildings are not only highly rated eco structures with low embodied energy but also protected cultural heritage, and they also make attractive contemporary landscapes built with local materials.
It is therefore a great skill to learn. The association 4. Grada Dragodid and also Gea Viva have been teaching people of all walks of life how to construct dry stone walls and structures for many years. At Gea Viva, you can see a wide range of them including a lime kiln and a historic circular dry-stone shelter (bunja).
The venue
Gea Viva is a peaceful eco island retreat in an olive grove that offers true eco living and the opportunity to learn sustainable living skills and connect with nature. Located within 15 minutes’ walk from the harbour village of Milna on Brač, it is within easy reach of public transport.
If travelling from Split, you can take the ferry to Supetar on Friday at 14.15 h, which has a connecting bus to Milna, arriving at 15.55 h. In case you would like to arrive on Saturday, there is catamaran by Kapetan Luka departing from Split at 7.40 hrs. On Saturday evening the
On Sunday there is a catamaran from Milna to Split operated by KSC, leaving at 15.55 h, arriving in Split at 17.00 h and a bus to Supetar at 11.30 h, connecting to the ferry leaving for Split at 12.30 h, arrival in Split at 13.20 h.
Here is more information on public transport and how to get to Gea Viva
Programme
For the entire weekend workshop, we will be outdoors. This outline programme gives you an idea what to expect.
Friday
from 15.00 hrs arrival
16.30 h Short guided tour of Gea Viva
17.00 -19.30 h Dry-stone walling introduction and practical work
19.30 h Supper
Saturday
from 8.00 h Breakfast
9.00 -12.30 h Dry-stone walling
12.30 h Lunch and break
16.30 -19.30 h Dry-stone walling
19.30 h Supper
Sunday
8.00 h Optional morning Yoga
9.00 h Breakfast
10.00 h Free time at Gea Viva or on the beach
Departure between 10.00-14.00 h as desired.
Food
We will prepare meals on site and your help with laying the table and washing up will be greatly appreciated. Usually the food is Vegetarian, but we will make an exception this weekend. So please let us know in the registration form, if you want to eat meat of you have any special dietary requirements.
Accommodation options
We have a tiny house here sleeping four people (two double beds), two glamping huts sleeping two people each and a dorm-style Yoga dome with camping beds.
You can also bring your tent.
Fees
This workshop is free of charge including food and accommodation. In case you wish to support Gea Viva, we are happy to receive a donation.
Facilitators
Mislav Tovarac and
Duje Mikelić
The weekend workshop will be led by Mislav Tovarac and Duje Mikelić of the association 4. Grada Dragodid.
Sabine Engelhardt
Sabine Engelhardt runs Gea Viva, and has been living in nature at her Permaculture smallholding for ten years. Having built many dry-stone walls during this time and having taught this skill to many volunteers, she will facilitate the dry-stone building workshop for school children on Thursday, 11th May.
What to bring
Please bring a sturdy shoes, clothes you can layer, a hat, a torch and a sleeping bag.
