Help Restore a Scheduled Monument

Be part of History and help to restore a Grade II* Scheduled Monument whilst at the same time learning all about lime and how to lime point.

Day one starts with classroom time at the training centre: learning about the different types of lime, their uses and the best type of lime to use where. The afternoon will see you getting practical hands-on experience: making a traditional lime mix and then using it to carry out pointing repairs.

On days two and three we will take our new skills to Gunns Mill to start re-pointing one of the many walls that are in need of restoration. If you aren't able to attend for the full 3 days, then there is the option of 2 days where you will spend 1 day at the training centre and 1 day onsite at Gunns Mill.

What you will learn

• Why lime is used in oler properties
• Types of lime and their uses
• How to carefully remove pointing
• Making and matching the perfect pointing mix
• How to apply lime pointing
• After care

This course is aimed at home owners, tradespeople, professionas and anyone who has an interest in working with traditional building materials in new build or conservation projects.

All tools and materials are included and all students will receive a comprehensive handbook.

Course day timings: 10am - 4pm. We will try to finish earlier on day three to allow for travelling home.

Funded places: If you are a trades person looking for some onsite experience, we are able to give you a subsidised place on this course. The full 3 day course will be discounted to just £395. Contact us to find out if you are eligible.

Your tutor, Ben Kerslake, has over 20 years of experience in conservation and restoration and has worked on two Grand Designs projects.

About Gunns Mill

Gunns Mill was built in 1625 and is Britains most complete furnace. The site is designated as a Scheduled Monument and a Grade II* Listed building. Furthermore, the site is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register but has been rescued from the threat of extreme dereliction by the Forest of Dean Building Preservation Trust,  who are undertaking a programme of conservation and restoration work to  restore this unique building so that generations to come can continue  to enjoy and understand it.

To find out more about Gunns Mill visit The Forest of Dean Building Preservation trust website: http://fodbpt.org/