Talking Conservation

In this episode of Talking Conservation, Rich and Stephen unpack one of the most feared problems in old buildings: Dry Rot. We look at what dry rot actually is, why the name is misleading, how it differs from so-called wet rot, and why the presence of a fruiting body does not always mean you need to panic. We also explain why moisture is still the key factor, how rot really spreads, when identific...

Why does timber rot, and what actually causes wood to decay in old buildings? In this second episode of our Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen dig into the real reasons timber rots, and why it is not simply a case of “old wood going bad”. We explore the role of moisture, fungal growth, ventilation, drying, and environment, and explain why understanding these basics is essential b...

What actually is timber, and why is it such an important material in old buildings? In this first episode of our new Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen go right back to basics to explain how timber works, where it comes from, and why understanding it is essential before diagnosing any problems in historic buildings. From how trees grow, to the difference between heartwood and sap...

What happens if you rely on a builder’s advice, skip consent, or try to “fix it later” on a listed building? In this second myth-busting episode, we unpack the real legal risks of getting listed building works wrong. Joined again by conservation architect Claire Truman, Stephen and Rich explore some of the most dangerous misconceptions homeowners have about listed buildings, planning consent, and...

What can you actually do to a listed building? In this episode of  Talking Conservation , we cut through the confusion, myths, and half-truths that surround listed buildings and planning consent. Joined by conservation architect  Claire Truman , we explore what homeowners are often told they  can’t  do, versus what the legislation and real-world practice actually allow. Drawing on professional exp...

It’s been one year of Talking Conservation — and in this special anniversary episode, Rich and Stephen step back to reflect on the journey so far. From favourite episodes to lessons learned behind the mic, they also reveal what’s coming next. In this episode: • Key takeaways from 12 months of podcasting • Exciting plans for 2025 — including hands-on training and a conservation day • Updates on Ste...

In this final episode of our Lime Series, we’re joined once again by master plasterer Sean Wheatley to explore the finer details of working with lime plaster on ceilings, restoring decorative cornices, and repairing historic mouldings in older UK homes. We cover:How to approach lime plaster ceiling repairs safely and effectivelyWhy cornices and ceiling roses matter for character and breathabilityC...

In this episode of Talking Conservation , we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley , who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro. 🧱 We discuss: ●      What ma...

In this follow-up episode of Talking Conservation, we’re back with Steve Hogarth – SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access – to dive deeper into how conservation really happens at height. From blocked gutters and cracked coping stones to wildlife nests and fragile leadwork, Steve shares what really goes on when you're dangling from ropes on cathedrals, ca...

What’s the biggest threat to your historic building? Water. In this special episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by Steve Hogarth — SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access — to explore how the smallest details up high can make the biggest difference to your building’s long-term health. We dig into: - Why effective drip detailing is critical to ke...

Before choosing your lime mortar or plaster, you need to understand your substrate. In this bonus episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explore the importance of knowing what's behind or beneath your mortar; from soft handmade bricks and old stone to chalk walls and cob. Whether you're repointing, plastering, or rendering, understanding the substrate is critical to choosing the right m...

Not sure which lime to use for a chimney, solid floor, or coping stone? In this episode of Talking Conservation , we explain how to choose and apply the right lime mix for floor construction and high-exposure areas in older homes. In this episode, Rich and Stephen continue their deep dive into lime mortars, exploring how to apply them in real-world contexts where performance under pressure really...

Lime Plaster & Render Uses Explained — How to choose the right mix for old buildingsIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich continue their deep dive into lime applications; this time focusing on internal plasters and external renders for traditional and historic buildings. We discuss the different types of lime used in plaster and render work; including air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3...

Lime Mortar Uses Explained — How to apply the correct mix for your historic home In this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explain how different types of lime mortar are applied to traditional buildings; from soft brick pointing to bedding stone walls. We cover the pros and cons of air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, and hot lime mixes and how they compare to cement-based mortars often found...

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain the different types of lime used in building and restoration work. If you have ever wondered what the difference is between air lime, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), pozzolans, or hybrid lime mixes, this video will give you a clear introduction. Understanding the types of lime is essential before starting any work on older or historic buildings. Wh...

Rich finds a lime kiln. Stephen nerds out on chemistry. Somehow, it all makes sense. In this episode of  Talking Conservation , we walk through the full  lime cycle  — from burnt limestone to breathable lime mortar — and explain why it still matters today. Packed with practical knowledge, dry humour, and the occasional chemistry flashback, this is your crash course in the building material that’s...

Douglas Kent is the Technical Secretary ofSPAB, but in his private capacity purchased The Old Sun Inn, Saffron Walden, afew years ago, having previously acquired the neighbouring properties. We talkabout how Douglas got involved in conservation and how he came to the point ofbuying these buildings.  We discuss thechallenges he has so far faced and those he is yet to tackle. Amongst theissues discu...

Ian is the CEO of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (museum). We talk about his past and how he came to be at Stow Maries, as well as describing the site and its buildings. Some issues we specifically talk about are Hoop Iron and Asbestos. We also discuss the use of volunteers and how these are essential to the running of the museum. An ongoing problem that faces most museums is funding and we talk...

Buildings Insurance for Historic Homes: Everything You Need to Know In this episode, we sit down with Steve Moores, Client Director for Howden Insurance, to discuss the ins and outs of buildings insurance for historic homes. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant of an old property, this episode is packed with essential advice to help you protect your home. Key Topics Covered: - How to as...

If you're a fan of home renovations, historic properties, or jaw-dropping transformations, you’ve likely heard of Greg—better known on social media as “Man with a Hammer.” In this episode, we dive into his epic journey of restoring the Admiral’s House, a massive 8000-square-foot ex-Naval officer’s quarters in Plymouth, into a stunning forever home. Built in 1804, this grand Georgian property boast...

In this episode we explore what many homeowners have experienced during the purchase process of buying an older property; the dreaded "you require a separate timber/damp survey". Stephen and Rich discuss the reasons you may get such a requirement, usually from your mortgage lender, the history that surrounds it and finally what people can do about it to ensure you both satisfy the lending conditio...

MYTHBUSTING! James Wright We are talking to James Wright - the Historic Buildings Mythbuster! We start off by looking into his background and how he got into building archaeology, and then we go on to tease a bit more out about him in terms of some of the grand buildings he's dealt with to some of the smaller historic buildings, and the lessons that he's learnt from those. We talk about some of th...

In this episode, we interview the directors of the National Retrofit Hub - Rachel Owens and Sara Edmonds. 00:00 Introduction 00:52 What is NRH? 02:02 Rachel’s background 04:12 Sara’s background 08:40 About the NRH, who is involved and getting the message across 14:25 Reasons for, and benefits of, retrofit 15:27 Retrofit for homeowners, builders and builders’ merchants 20:50 Community involvement 2...

In this episode we chat with Ben Kerslake of CarringtonLIME. Rich visited him at his premises in the Forest of Dean. We discuss Ben winning a Blue Peter competition, getting his neighbours to work on his house, and painting a room for 50p! On a more serious note, we talk about lime, hot lime, Naturally Hydraulic Lime, training, and innovation. Ben is keen to help train the next generation of plast...

In this episode we talk with Jonathan Taylor, exploring his beginnings in Architecture and then as a Conservation Officer, before the founding of the Building Conservation Directory. We discuss its success and some of the challenges Jonathan faces in publishing, as well as issues that are close to Jonathan's heart relating to conservation and his concern that conservation is about more than just t...