National Park Authority invests in future of building conservation
June 11, 2024
The National Park has been helping to support young people looking for new careers in building conservation.
Through our Sustainable Communities Fund, support has been given to the Sussex Heritage Trust to deliver “taster day” opportunities to try out building conservation crafts.
The workshops took place earlier this month at the Weald and Downland Living Museum, in Singleton.
Twenty seven students from Chichester College and Crawley College, and young people at the start of their careers with local construction businesses, got the opportunity to try out four different building crafts: practical timber repairs, brickmaking, hurdle making, and wattle and daub.
Connor said: “Wattle and daub was good fun – it was weird to use cow dung as a wall!”
Sam said: “Making bricks from scratch has taught me a new skill and given me lots of confidence to learn new things.”
Tim Slaney, Chief Executive (Interim) of the National Park Authority, said: “Our approach to the built environment in the National Park is landscape-led and a key aspect of this is incorporating traditional materials and construction methods that respond to a location, its history and landscape features.
“The heritage within the National Park’s towns and villages is extraordinary – with over 160 conservation areas, more than any other National Park in the UK, and more than 5,800 listed buildings.
“It’s wonderful to be helping the next generation of building conservation craftsmen and women who will be vital to keeping this region so special.”
