diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 0639d63c1b..296f8d0367 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ SiCortex*Gcc*/
 solaris*Gcc*/
 SunOS*Gcc*/
 
+# reinstate wmake/rules that might look like build folders
+!wmake/rules/*/
+
 # doxygen generated documentation
 doc/[Dd]oxygen/html
 doc/[Dd]oxygen/latex