A newly formed conservation group is embarking on a series of activities aimed at increasing the understanding of Whittlesey’s historic mud walls.

The Whittlesey Mud Walls Group is staging an event at the Whittlesey Festival on September 11 to demonstrate how the walls are made and give people a chance to try their hand at it.

It is also planning to put on displays at the town’s museum and contacting schools, youth clubs and other groups to get them involved.

The group was set up earlier this year after the Whittlesey Society and other local heritage enthusiasts in the town had said they wanted to see more attention given to the boundary walls, which are unique to the area.

It has the support of Fenland District Council’s conservation team and is hoping to gain a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support its work.

The walls date from the 1780s to the late 19th century, an era when there was a tax on bricks.

Examples can be found at the Black Bull pub in Market Street, in the West End near the old Morley’s yard, in Delph Street, in the Conservative Club’s car park in Whitmore Street, and in Grosvenor Road, next to the Swift taxi office.

Annette Glazier, the group’s chairman, said: “We’re keen to get lots of people to come along on September 11 to our special event, which will be in the car park at the Black Bull.

“An experienced earth construction specialist linked to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings will be making a section of mud walls and people will have the chance to learn how to tread mud in the traditional way. You just need to bring your wellies.

“There will also be displays of photos and literature and we’ll be there to chat and answer any questions.”

For more information, email the Whittlesey Mud Walls Group on whittleseymudwallsgroup@gmail.com, write to them at The Old Town Hall, Market Street, Whittlesey PE7 1BD, or call Mike Shearing on 01733 202840,