Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are running a series of Heritage Skills training events this summer to help people learn more about the traditional skills required to maintain older properties.

 

The events have been organised in conjunction with the Heritage Skills Initiative (HSI), hosted by the North of England Civic Trust (NECT), as a response to a severe skills shortage in the region. They have been designed to give people an introduction to some traditional techniques and provide information on maintaining older properties. There will be 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.

 

The events are open to all - homeowners, contractors, students and interested local residents and they are free of charge for those people living the Yorkshire Dales LEADER area, which includes the AONB. There will be a small charge of £3 for those people living outside the area.

 

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 "

 

All events must be prebooked through the NECT at www.nect.org.uk or 0191 2329279. Full details of all the events and how to book can be found on the AONB website at www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk