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 are habitats for wildlife and the needs of protected species and protected fabric must be balanced, as well as the needs of visitors (access and interpretation).

Learning outcomes include:

• An insight into the cultural value and significance of ruined sites
• An understanding of the methods and materials used in construction of historic masonry and how ruined structures deteriorate in the external environment
• An understanding of the range of treatment options for conservation, including mortar-based solutions, masonry consolidation, structural stabilisation, and the installation of new protective interventions (such as turf-soft capping to wall heads)
• An understanding of the value of biodiversity on ruined sites and nature-positive conservation solutions
• Aquiring practical skills and experience in repairing and consolidating ruined masonry, including the preparation and use of traditional mortars

Included

Preparatory course material and a suggested reading list will be issued prior to the course commencing.

What students need to bring

Please bring suitable clothing and footwear for practical sessions in the Ruinette, including warm layers and work boots. Please also bring an umbrella and torch for the short walk between the Ruinette and the Main House.

Delegates are invited to prepare and deliver a short case study presentation on a ruined site at the course 'Open Mic' evening held on the Wednesday. This is an informal event designed to share knowledge and ask questions. PowerPoint slides or similar are welcomed to support presentations.

Day 1 - Monday
Student registration: Please arrive by 1.30pm. Delegates are welcomed in the Steward’s Bar at 2pm
Introductory lecture: In praise of ruins
Lecture: Construction, failure and repair of ruined buildings
Introduction to Ruinette and briefing for practical work
Dinner: 7pm

Day 2 - Tuesday
Morning
Primer lecture: Mortars for the conservation of ruins
Commencement of practical work, wall recording/dismantling, mortar mixing etc, in the Ruinette
Lunch: 1pm

Afternoon
Continuation of practical session
Lectures: Conservation of ruins – practical case studies
Dinner: 6.30pm

Evening
Keynote talk: The structural engineer and ruins - structural assessment and intervention

Day 3 - Wednesday
Morning
Practical continues, Ruinette
Lecture: Earth mortars
Lunch: 12.30pm

Afternoon
Practical, earth mortars demonstration, Ruinette
Dinner: 6.30pm

Evening
Close Open mic and social - bite-size delegate presentations (ALL)

Day 4 - Thursday

Morning
Lecture: Management of vegetation on ruins
Lecture: Nature positive solutions and soft capping
Practical, soft cap build and take down, Ruinette
Lunch: 1pm

Afternoon
Completion and review of practical work including final mortar tending/finishing
Certificates issued, course reflection
Close, further networking

Terms & Conditions