About the maze
The journey so far
INITIAL IDEA
Mark Ellis conceived the idea of a Dry Stone Wall Maze
The maze has been aligned with the sunrise on the summer solstice, and from its centre the sun can be seen rising between these two standing stones.
Special stone features traditionally found in field and garden walls across the North Yorkshire Moors and Dales such as stone step stiles, squeeze stiles, smout holes, kissing gates, phantom gates and moon gates, will be incorporated within the walls of the maze to not only showcase the waller’s craft, but also to conspire, mislead, hinder, challenge and assist visitors of all ages along their journey to the goal – the centre of the maze.
– More than 4000 tonnes of locally source and reclaimed stone
– Over 1600 meters of wall
– 7 feet high (2.1 metres)
– Total size 80 meters by 80 metres
– 6400 square metres
FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS
A Partnership Project
Mark Ellis
Mark conceived the idea for and designed the maze, which is being built by him and two other local craftsmen, Mark Simpson and John Wharton.
Mark Ellis is a specialist dry stone waller who started his business in 1994 from his Farndale base in the heart of the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors. Over the years along with rebuilding traditional dry stone walls, Mark has also been commissioned by his clients to design and build bespoke stone wall garden landscapes.
Mark first had the idea to build a dry stone wall maze in 1999, and with the help of Ryedale District Council, Forestry England and The Friends of Dalby Forest, the first foundation stones were laid in September 2014. Building work has now begun on the inner circles of what will be the largest dry stone wall construction in the world.
Friends of Dalby Forest
FODF provide volunteer time to help on site and raise funds. The Friends of Dalby Forest (Registered Charity Number 1125882) is a group of volunteers who meet regularly in Dalby Forest (North Yorkshire, UK) to enhance the facilities and settings for all visitors, on a wide range of Forestry Commission-approved projects – https://friendsofdalbyforest.wordpress.com
Forestry England
Forestry England provides the land and specialist expertise to this project regarding civil engineering for the path construction, levelling and drainage.
Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 363 million visits in 2021/22. As England’s largest land manager, they shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow.
