Introducing ASMPS

(Association for the Conservation of Drystone Walls)

LET'S DO SOMETHING BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Drystone walls form an integral part of the scenery along the Jura mountains. This region, mainly devoted to grazing, is made up of large areas where, according to the altitude, wooded pasturage, forests and cultivated fields alternate.

Historical documents such as contracts, legal deeds and regulations show that, in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, walls were built or moved and dry hedges (wooden fences) replaced by drystone walls. This was done in order to restrict the felling of forests, prevent the clearing of land for cultivation and help to improve the soil by removing stones.

For the last sixty years or so, most of these walls have been neglected. The rare exceptions can be attributed to the vigilance of communal authorities and enlightened individuals.

THE CREATION OF AN ASSOCIATION

The ASMPS officially came into being on 3 March 1994, thanks to a small group of people who cared about the fate of "franc-montagnard" scenery and its structural characteristics, its drystone walls. This preoccupation very soon proved to be shared by the whole population of the Jura mountains.

The ASMPS is concerned that this historical and cultural heritage and its role in the protection of the countryside and natural environment should be appreciated at its true value. Its goal is therefore to make public opinion aware of the problem, to reintroduce the necessary walling skills and encourage the upkeep of drystone walls, which are still a strong and efficient means of enclosure, built with material that is representative of the region. These activities are carried out in perfect harmony, respecting the criteria for long-term development (See leaflet edited in French and German in 1997).

The Association is now made up of 300 members, including communal and cantonal authorities, burgesses, and various institutions and associations.

RESTORATION AND FINANCING

In order to assist financially in the restoration of this heritage, the ASMPS contacted the "Fonds Suisse pour le Paysage" (Swiss fund in favour of the countryside) - FSP - which was set up at the time of the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation.

In 1993, a general file was constituted : it comprises a historical section based on the research of archives, a description of the materials used, a presentation of this vernacular architecture integrated in the countryside and showing its usefulness from a pastoral as well as ecological point of view, together with a description of the present situation, and, lastly, the principles underlying restoration.

The task of restoration is planned through involvement of the local population directly concerned as well as those responsible for works of public interest, i.e. those called up to do civil service (instead of military service) and work undertaken by the unemployed. There is no lack of work to be done: about 400 km in the Franches-Montagnes for example, and 165 km in the commune of La Chaux-de-Fonds !

In April 1994, the FSP agreed to help, as it considered the project to be one of the best in Switzerland.

At the present time, the ASMPS is directing its efforts in three complementary fields : through the dissemination of skills to train professional drystone wallers, direct assistance to farmers and training facilities for Civil Service workers. In each case, the ASMPS ensures a high-quality execution, respecting the natural and cultural heritage, and good working conditions.

It is also up to each of us to maintain our walls by showing our appreciation of their value and of the colossal amount of work that they represent, thanks to the efforts of wallers, farmers and other manual workers.

In 2002, the ASMPS was selected by "Patrimoine Suisse" for the Heimatschutz Prize. The ceremony for this well-known award took place at Le Bémont on 12 October 2002.