Dry stone wall

Dry stone walls are jointless masonries, imitating a rock formation and therefore constituting a borderline habitat. As a retreat and hideout they are of big importance to so many species. They were previously erected in winegrowing areas and used for shelter by many animals depending on a rugged environment.

Dry stone walls are disappearing from landscapes due to agriculture and reallocation of land.

Many plant communities settle in its gaps varying according to the quality structure of the rock.

Dry stone walls provide a biosphere for wild bees, bugs, amphibians and lizards like sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) or blindworms (Anguis fragilis). They seclude themselves into the joints during winter in order to stand the chilly temperatures in hibernation. Wild bees or bumblebee also use joints as nest chambers.
(Words: Philipp Wagner)