Training offered in building traditions

The heritage skills training events have been launched by the North of England Civic Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as a response to a severe skills shortage in the area and to help residents and businesses learn more about the traditional skills required to maintain older properties.

The workshops will focus on providing an introduction to some traditional techniques through a combination of lectures, such as principles of conservation for pre 1919 buildings, and hands on introductory workshops including blacksmithing, stonemasonry and using lime mortar.

Sally Childes, AONB heritage officer, said: “We are really pleased to be working alongside the HSI to offer this range of heritage skills events.

“We hope that these courses will give people an insight into some of the traditional techniques and help to protect our built heritage and historic buildings for future generations.

“Nidderdale AONB has many special qualities, one of which is its wealth of heritage features.

“It is home to some truly wonderful historic buildings such as the 400-year-old Witch of the Woods Cottage near Galphay, the ruins of Fountains Abbey near Ripon and the Landmarks Trust’s ‘Ruin’ set in the stunning surrounds of Hackfall Woods.

“In addition there are a vast number of family homes that date back before 1919 and we feel these events are a fantastic way of helping local residents to understand and maintain their own properties.”

The events are free for people living the Yorkshire Dales LEADER area, and costs £3 otherwise.

All events can be booked at www.nect.org.uk or by telephone on 01912329279.