This chapter describes some of the many features which can be built out of dry stone. Some are traditional features of the countryside, such as cairns, pens and niches in walls, while others such as arches and pillars are more often associated with gardens. Dry stone can also be used for purely aesthetic structures, which have no practical use.
Whatever the purpose of the dry stone feature, a valuable wildlife habitat is created. The process of designing and building dry stone features also develops the skills of dry stone work beyond those of traditional walling, and in ways which can be used in wildlife gardens, parks, alongside transport routes and other open spaces in both urban and rural areas.