The course is designed to deliver an understanding of the unique and often complex challenges that ruined structures and their sites typically present, where structures typically host flora and fauna and the needs of protected species and protected fabric must be balanced, as well as the needs of visitors. Learning outcomes include:

• An understanding of the methods and materials used in construction of historic masonry and how ruined structures deteriorate.
• The ability to recognise evidence of past interventions (structural, aesthetic) and how these impact on current condition and conservation (treatment) options.
• The ability to diagnose characteristic defects of masonry ruins and design repair and conservation work to stabilise masonry and prevent loss of historic fabric.
• The ability to consider and develop nature-positive solutions for ruined sites.

Day 1 – Monday 21 October 2024

17.30 – 18.00 - Register at Reception Desk and Check-in
18:00 – 18.30 - Welcome and Introductions to course participants
18.30 – 19.30 - Dinner
19.30 – 20.30 – Introduction to Course and Lecture. Introduction to Conservation of Masonry Ruins

Day 2 – Tuesday 22 October 2024

09.00 - Morning Sessions (with mid-morning Tea and Coffee Break)
Lecture. Traditional Masonry Construction. An introductory lecture looking at traditional masonry construction methods and materials, including previous approaches to their repair and presentation.
Lecture. An introduction to the hazards and risks to masonry ruins and the ways in which they deteriorate.
Lecture and Site Visit to Former Railway Buildings (Ruins), West Dean Estate. Structural behaviour and interventions.
12.30-13.30 – Lunch
13.30 - Afternoon sessions (with Tea and Coffee Break)
Lecture. Developing Conservation Strategies for Ruins. Presentation with case studies on survey and assessment methods, specialist investigations, optioneering and trials, and specification.
Introduction to the Practical Programme and Ruinette. Overview of the timetable, content and objectives of the practical element of the course; health and safety; working in the Ruinette workshop.
A Practical Introduction to Mortars for Conservation. An introductory workshop session followed by practical demonstration and engagement on the selection and preparation of mortars for the conservation of ruins.
Practicals and Demonstrations. Repair, Consolidation and Rebuilding. Sessions will include demonstration by the tutors and then practical application by the students of the repair methods and materials including: mortar preparation and design; joint treatment; localised rebuilding; mortar curing and aftercare; core work consolidation.
18.30 – 19.30 – Dinner
19.30 – 20.30 – Lecture. Case Study: grouting historic masonry

Day 3 – Wednesday 23 October 2024
09.00 - Morning Sessions (with mid-morning Tea and Coffee Break)
Demonstration, Discussion, and Practical sessions in Ruinette. To include:
Recording, taking down and rebuilding masonry; the use of tracing frames; hard and soft wall cappings; joint treatment; grouting – small and large-scale.
12.30-13.30 – Lunch
13.30 - Afternoon sessions (with Tea and Coffee Break)
Demonstration, Discussion, and Practical sessions in Ruinette. Continued.
Lecture and Demonstration. Earth mortars in traditional construction – their identification, conservation and use in ruined contexts, with practical work.
Lecture, Discussion, Demonstration. Earth Mortars in Ruins and Grouting. To include demonstration and practical session of small-scale grouting and short lecture and discussion of large scale grouting.

Day 4 – Thursday 24 October 2024
09.00 - Morning Sessions (with mid-morning Tea and Coffee Break)
Lecture. Nature-positive solutions for ruined sites. Lecture with case studies, including ecology, soft wall capping,management of ivy, invasive species and beneficial species, wildflower meadows.
Lecture. Soft capping case study.
Soft Wall Capping Workshop (practical session). This session will be a practical demonstration of how to apply soft cappings, with assistance by students.
12.30-13.30 – Lunch
13.30 - Afternoon sessions (with Tea and Coffee Break)
Review of practical work completed (workshop sessions) and discussion, Q &A
15:30 – Course concludes, issue of certificates.

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