The beauty and legacy of crawiau in Eryri (Snowdonia)
In the rugged landscapes of Eryri, crawiau (slate fencing) was once a more common sight in the area. These distinctive fences, crafted from slate waste, helped to shape the character of the surrounding countryside for generations.
A heritage rooted in industry
The prominence of slate fencing in many parts of Eryri is no coincidence. From the late 18th century onwards, the slate industry boomed, producing vast quantities of material that shaped not only roofs and buildings but also the very boundaries of the land. They marked livestock enclosures, estate perimeters, and homesteads. Indeed, it was so popular it was quite often a skill that was passed down through the generations.
Rejuvenating a craft
With the rise of materials like wooden posts and wire fencing, the tradition of slate fencing began to fade. Today, much fewer people possess the skill and knowledge required to build these enduring structures.
With this mind, National Trust Cymru is helping not only to upskill rangers, but volunteers as well in this craft. In Nant Ffrancon, a slate fence was completed recently by rangers and volunteers new to the craft. These efforts not only preserve a skill but also reconnect people with the land and its history.
Tom Gould, Ranger, said: “The art of doing crawiau is relatively simple. You trench for as long as you need the fence to go, around 30cm or more in depth. Create slate foots to help the slate remain sturdy through more surface area. Then you compact the soil to re-enforce the foot and slate pillar before wrapping two strands of wire around the slate. And that’s pretty much it.
“One of the things I like about crawiau is that each fence tells a story. No two slates are the same; their shapes and textures reflect the geology of the land and local history.
“Unlike modern post-and-wire fencing, which lasts around 25 years in perfect conditions, a well-built slate fence can stand for over 150 years, which is remarkable.”