Grants now available for restoration of historic farm buildings on Dartmoor
— 12 Apr 2018
Before repairs - remote Dartmoor farm threshing barn and stables
After repairs - Dartmoor threshing barn re-thatched and slated, masonry and joinery repairs.
Exmoor barn - sensitive repairs retain historic roof structure adjacent new
Exmoor barn - modern corrugated metal sheet removed before new over-roof structure and re-slating
Before repairs - Devon barn previously re-roofed in metal sheet in need of masonry and joinery repairs.
After repairs - re-thatched and clay tiled, masonry repairs and new windows and doors.
Devon Barn - re-thatching using traditional wheat reed tied to roof with tarred twine
Devon barn - before and after grant repairs
Before award winning grant repairs - large Somerset Tithe barn
During award winning grant repairs - Roof repairs to large Somerset Tithe barn with craned sections of repaired historic structure repositioned.
After award winning grant repairs - roof repairs and re-roofing of large Somerset Tithe barn.
A grant scheme for the restoration of historic farm buildings is being piloted in five National Parks – Dartmoor, Lake District, Northumberland, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales.
The scheme provides £2m of funding and aims to help save iconic historic farm buildings in the English National Parks from falling out of use.
The Historic Building Restoration Grant is being run by Historic England, Natural England and Upland National Parks. Building owners and land managers within a Countryside Stewardship Agreement have until 31st January 2019 to apply for up to 80% towards the cost of repairs.
There are eligibility criteria and grant funding should be used on works relating to roof coverings, weatherproofing and structural work. Successful applicants will have two years to complete the works to restore the building for farming purposes.
The grant process includes producing a Management Plan so that applicants can work with National Park advisors and conservation consultants to develop a management plan to deliver the restoration.
Lord Gardiner, Defra Minister for National Parks said:
‘The British countryside, including those historic farm buildings that dot some of our most iconic landscapes, is a truly precious natural asset. I am delighted that we are able to open this new set of grants supporting the restoration of traditional farm buildings.
Land managers who apply for this scheme will not only be safeguarding our rural history and culture, but also regenerating traditional buildings for use today and for future generations.’
Last year Associate Director of Jonathan Rhind Architects, Martin Sturley-Hayes attended the East Dartmoor Conference of the Historic Farms Building Group, which aimed to improve understanding of farmsteads, how they are influenced by their environment and threats to their survival.
Speaking about the grant Martin said, ‘It is great to see a new scheme for grant assistance for those who own, use and care for historic farm buildings. Many farmers are under pressure by modern farming techniques to abandon traditional buildings for modern alternatives.
Jonathan Rhind. Architects were involved in numerous farm building grant repair schemes back in 2004-2010 under a former higher-level Countryside Stewardship Scheme and welcome this fantastic opportunity to help protect the history and character of Dartmoor National Park’.
If you would like any further information about how we can help you with a farm building restoration, including other planning permissions and consents, wildlife legislation etc. please contact us.
