Nick Durnan
Nick Durnan - BCM Course Leader
Nick Durnan originally trained as a stone mason at Canterbury Cathedral and went on to study for a degree in carving and conservation at the City and Guilds of London Art School.
About this course
You will be learning using a combination of remote online learning and "traditional" workshop learning here at the college. This is called a blended learning approach.
You will be given access to the online elements of the course from the 30 January 2026, there are approximately 10 hours work in total which must be completed prior to attending practical workshop and classroom sessions at the College on 9-12 March 2026 (5.30pm arrival). Access to online elements of the course will expire on 28 Mar 2026.
During the course you will learn how to recognise and analyse stone types and the defects commonly found on historic stonework. This course will enable you to carry out condition assessment and development and evaluation of appropriate remedial work options. You will learn how to prepare and apply lime-based stone repair mortars and fix a small indent (new stone piece-in) using a range of methods, materials, and tools.
This course is open to anyone with an interest in historic buildings and their conservation, it is designed for those with some knowledge of building conservation who wish to develop their practical skills and experience. BCM students typically include a mix of building professionals and practitioners. Participants normally find that interaction with others on the course is a key part of their learning experience. If you have no knowledge in the field of building conservation you may find you need to do additional reading or other work to benefit fully from the course.
You will be given access to the online elements of the course from the 30 January 2026, there are approximately 10 hours work in total which must be completed prior to attending practical workshop and classroom sessions at the College on 9-12 March 2026 (5.30pm arrival). Access to online elements of the course will expire on 28 Mar 2026.
During the course you will learn how to recognise and analyse stone types and the defects commonly found on historic stonework. This course will enable you to carry out condition assessment and development and evaluation of appropriate remedial work options. You will learn how to prepare and apply lime-based stone repair mortars and fix a small indent (new stone piece-in) using a range of methods, materials, and tools.
This course is open to anyone with an interest in historic buildings and their conservation, it is designed for those with some knowledge of building conservation who wish to develop their practical skills and experience. BCM students typically include a mix of building professionals and practitioners. Participants normally find that interaction with others on the course is a key part of their learning experience. If you have no knowledge in the field of building conservation you may find you need to do additional reading or other work to benefit fully from the course.
Course Description
Blended Learning Course Content (Blended: Online and Onsite)
You will be learning using a combination of remote online learning and "traditional" workshop learning here at the College. Your online course content (approx. 10 hours) includes:
- Access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with course material to work through independently at your own pace
- A combination of online content including directed reading and viewing, assigned activities, pre-recorded videos, PDFs of key information to save and keep
- Assigned activities for you to complete including a brief informal presentation to be given during the face-to-face workshop and classroom sessions at West Dean. This presentation relates to a historic building or buildings of your choice in your local area
- Online technical support through the College Technical Resources.
- Online course content provides an introduction and essential information on the subjects outlined below
- Subsequent workshop sessions reinforce online learning through group discussion, demonstrations by tutors and hands on practical exercise where students carry out repair techniques on the Ruinette
Overview of Online Content
1. Stone and Lime
1.1 Geology
1.2 Use of Stone in Traditional Buildings
1.3 Stone Working
1.4 Lime Technology
2. Conservation and Repair
2.1 Conservation Principles
2.2 Weathering and Decay (How stone changes over time)
2.2 Conservation and Repair Techniques
2.3 Preparing a Conservation Report
Overview of Workshop Sessions, Face to Face Learning (9-12 March 2026)
3. Stone and Lime
3.1 Examining the Characteristics of a Range of Stone Types
3.2 Examining the Characteristics of a Range of Mortar Types
3.3 Demonstrations of Lime Slaking and Mortar Mixing
3.4 Demonstrations of Stone Masonry Tool Skills
3.6 Practical Exercise in Applying a Stone Repair Mortar
3.7 Practical Exercise in Fixing a New Stone Indent (Piece-in)
3.8 Practical Exercise in Applying Limewash and Sheltercoat
3.9 Student Presentation of a Conservation Report on an Element of a Local Building
Course Materials
Included
Students will receive a copy of the Stone volume of the Historic England, Practical Building Conservation series.
What students need to bring
Please bring a torch, as well as an umbrella and warm, waterproof clothing for the short walk to the Old Dairy Seminar Room and the Ruinette. Please also bring suitable clothing and footwear for practical sessions in the Ruinette building, including overalls to protect clothing and sturdy site/safety shoes or boots.
General Information
FAQs
Is it possible to book only the online or onsite part of the course?
The course is only available as a joint online and onsite course and both elements must be completed.
Can I book accommodation for the onsite part of the course?
Yes, to book accommodation or find out about accommodation prices please call 01243 818300 (option 2) or email [email protected].
What technologies are used to deliver the online part of the course?
We use Moodle, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), for all your course materials. This is a system for delivering learning materials via the Internet. It offers you flexible access to all the course content, which is available to you for the duration of the course.
Do the course videos have subtitles for hearing impaired people?
Yes, our course videos have the option to display closed captions in English.
How do I access the online course?
You will receive your login details by email before the course start date.
What computer set-up will I need for the online element of the course?
You can watch our courses on all computers and devices – Mac, PC, Mobile and Tablet – with an Internet connection and a modern internet browser (see "What Web Browser do you recommend" below). Some of the course resources are presented as PDF files, which will require a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader.
What web browser do you recommend?
Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser, for example, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It is mobile responsive so you can also log in through a mobile browser. (You cannot access West Dean’s Moodle through any Moodle app).
If you join a Teams meeting through a browser on your computer (rather than the Teams app) you will need to use Edge or Chrome.
If you join a Teams meeting on your phone, you will need to use the free Microsoft Teams app.
Please make sure to keep your browser/app updated to the latest version.
What do I do if I experience technical issues?
If you have checked the technical requirements above and are using a suitable browser but the problem persists, email [email protected] with the details of your problem (including a screenshot if useful) for advice.
I’ve lost my login details, what do I do?
If you have deleted your login information please contact [email protected].
Tutors
Accommodation
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.