The historic Barden Church
Photo: English Heritage

OWNERS of traditional buildings in the dales will be able to learn about ways to help them keep their properties in tip top condition.

A free training day has been organised in Grassington by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) that provides an introduction to a range of topics including:

• damp in buildings
• timber decay in buildings
• buildings change - the way that individual buildings develop over time
• building conservation principles
• employing an architect and running a contract

Mark Stephenson, the YDNPA's Building Conservation Officer, said: "It's a great opportunity for people living in old buildings to get some sound advice and information to help look after them".

"The day covers a range of topics and should give people an insight into the complexity of looking after traditionally-built buildings.

"They are very different from today's buildings in their construction and in the way they interact with their environment.

"The aim is for people to go away from the day with a new or better understanding of their property and of how a traditional building works.

"We are in regular contact with owners of historic buildings, particularly those that are listed.

"We recognise there is a need to get more information to them about how their buildings are constructed and the potential impacts that building work could have on the structure and appearance."

The idea of providing training or education days grew out of requests from owners and from an event in 2004 when the YDNPA hosted the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings 'home owners' course at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes.

"We are hoping that this one-day course will become a regular event with different days concentrating on different aspects of looking after traditional buildings," Mark said.

The event will be held on March 3 in the Octagon Room in Grassington Town Hall.

Because numbers may have to be limited, anyone interested in taking part is asked to write to Don McLellan at the YDNPA, Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3EL or telephone 01969 652337 or e-mail don.mclellan@yorkshiredales.org.uk.

A full programme will soon be available on the Authority website at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk