Talking Conservation
Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more.
We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on.
We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site.
Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community
Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/
- Update frequency
- every 14 days
- Average duration
- 50 minutes
- Episodes
- 19
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
How to Fix Ceilings in Older Homes – Lath, Plaster & Lime Advice with Master Plasterer Sean Wheatley
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 …
Up High: How Rope Access Protects Historic Buildings – Talking Conservation with Steve Hogarth
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 conserv…
Lime Mortar Details That Matter – Drip Detailing, Exposure & High-Level Repairs
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 wi…
Understanding Substrates in Older Homes – Lime Mortar Series Bonus Episode
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 b…
Which Lime Mortar to Use? Part 3 – Floors, Chimneys & Exposured Areas
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-…
Which Lime Mortar to Use? Part 2 – Plasters & Renders for Traditional Homes
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 tim…
Which Lime Mortar to Use? Part 1 – Building & Pointing Old Brick and Stone
Lime Mortar Uses Explained — How to apply the correct mix for your historic homeIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explain how different types of lime mortar are applied to tra…
Lime Mortar Types Explained – Essential Knowledge for Older UK Buildings
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 hydra…
Lime Mortar for Old Homes – Chemistry, Conservation & Why It Still Works
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 l…
The Old Sun Inn - Past, Present, & Future
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 talka…
The Highs and Lows of an Aviation Museum - with Ian Flint
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 …
Heritage home insurance: What every owner must know
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 insu…
Solo restoring an 1804 Naval Mansion – Greg's Epic DIY Journey | Man with a Hammer's Admiral’s House
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 in…
"Get a PCA Timber and Damp survey" what it means, why it happens and what to do about it.
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 di…
Historic Building Mythbusting with James Wright
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 t…
Everything Retrofit with the Directors of the National Retrofit Hub
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 Abou…
All things LIME with Ben Kerslake of Carrington Lime
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…
Meeting The Building Conservation Directory founder Jonathan Taylor
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 s…
Introductions Episode - who we are and why we're doing this
An introduction to this podcast. Find out a bit about Stephen and Rich, what their motivations are, and what this podcast is about.
Chapters:
0:44 Introduction to Stephen
7:24 Introduction to Rich
13:08 …