Caring for the past - working together to sustain everyone’s future.
What do we do?
The National Trust’s Regional Building Department is responsible for the repairs, maintenance and upkeep of approximately 3,000 built structures within Yorkshire and the North East. This includes working farms, tenanted cottages, holiday cottages, listed structures and iconic historic mansions such as Lindisfarne Castle on Holy island, Treasurer’s House in York and Nostell Priory near Wakefield.
- The value of our building portfolio is estimated at £450 million
- Surveys have identified an £11 million backlog of building work within the region
- Our annual operations budget is approximately £1 million, in addition we carry out special projects to the value of approximately £2 million
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Nev Kirby, Regional Building Manager:
'Many people think the National Trust is a wealthy organisation when in fact the buildings we look after are huge liabilities and in need of constant repair. Without the support of our members and visitors we would not be able to preserve these stunning places that play such an important role in local heritage.'
A highly skilled work force
The Regional Building Department consists of a number of technical staff, including surveyors, volunteers and directly employed crafts people. They each have individual skills including carpentry, stone masonry and a general understanding of traditional techniques. Also, for the first time ever, the department has been able to take on two apprentice carpenters.
Ashley Coulter, Apprentice Carpenter:
'I love the job and am learning so much. It is challenging but I get to work in some amazing places.'
Supporting the local economy
As major players in the local heritage sector the National Trust provides around £3 million worth of work for local consultants, builders merchants and contractors. They are involved in every stage of the process and include architects, structural engineers and mechanical engineers.
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For ever for everyone
The National Trust works in close partnership with organisations to conserve and protect some of the region’s finest historic buildings. As well as our own portfolio we work in partnership with English Heritage, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), the Civic Trust and Natural England to look after these special places for ever for everyone.
Sustainability and regulations
Wherever possible the National Trust operates in a sustainable and environmentally friendly capacity. This means ensuring that our buildings are energy efficient and our ways of working have minimal impact on the environment. In real terms this means using energy efficient products such as energy saving light bulbs and water saving devices, and ensuring that buildings are properly insulated. We also try to employ local contractors to reduce carbon emissions through excess travel and use locally sourced materials.
It’s not only the environment that needs to be considered when undertaking building repair work. There are many legislative issues that need to be taken into account such as the Disability Discrimination Act, Construction Design Management, Asbestos and Working at Height regulations, and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This act stipulates that building work should be carried out with minimal disturbance to the habitat of Plants, Lichens, Invertebrates, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.
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Repair Philosophy
When carrying out repairs the National Trust follow a repair philosophy of minimal intervention into the fabric of the building. All of the buildings in the care of the organisation are of historical importance and the Trust endeavours to use sympathetic and natural materials to make sure the buildings are presented at they were originally intended. The National Trust always records both the buildings and the work undertaken on them.
Addressing the skills shortage
There is a well documented skills shortage in Yorkshire and the North East. The National Trust and other partner organisations are working in partnership to address the shortage and close the gap. There are a series of Lime Taster Days and Building Skills Fairs taking place in the region.
'The Heritage Skills project relies on collaborative working and support from partners to narrow the heritage skills gap in the region. The National trust's Regional Building Department are leading the way in their support of working on partnership projects such as Heritage Skills Days and a Regional Heritage Skills Fair, as well as being an integral part of the Regional Heritage Skills Action Group.'
Andie Harris, North East Heritage Skills Coordinator
Get involved
If you are interested in taking part in an event or finding out how you can get involved and learn more about traditional skills please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Call Julliette Harle on 01670 773943 or email julliette.harle@nationaltrust.org.uk
You can also join us as a volunteer!
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