Nature in the Historic Built Environment: How to Make the Most of it

Overview

Recent changes to the legislative and policy framework of the built environment recognise the impact of planning and development upon the natural environment. Future change in the built environment needs to be nature positive. But where does this leave historic buildings?

The historic built environment occupies a particularly sensitive place in this balance. Frequently, historic buildings and their setting provide a sanctuary for nature and biodiversity. Sometimes, this represents an important aspect of their cultural value and significance. However, plants and animals often constitute real or perceived threats to historic fabric. There may be differing expert and public opinions on what approach is best. But there is a growing evidence base to support integrated management.

This course will help practitioners working with historic buildings to navigate some of the complexity around managing nature. It will acknowledge nature as a threat and cause of harm, introduce the concept of ‘bioprotection’, explore the contribution historic buildings can make to nature protection, address where these views come into conflict, and present opportunities for synergy.

We will look at a range of different UK case studies and a diversity of approaches to making the most of nature in different circumstances. The course will include a workshop session to engage with participants’ working practice and maximise networking opportunities. Online and in-person participation are possible.

On the day after this course (25 April), there is a course on Greening Up: Why and how to Re-Green Towns and Cities. If you are interested in attending both courses and would like to book accommodation at Rewley House, please contact res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk and mention that your'e booking on to the CWCH course.

Programme details

9:30am: Introductions

10am: Motivations, opportunities and challenges

11am: Short break

11:30am: UK case studies overview

12:30pm: Lunch

1:30pm: Case study 1: North Leigh Roman Villa

2:15pm: Case study 2: Blenheim Palace

3pm: Short break

3:30pm: Group workshop/ breakout rooms

4:30pm: Final discussion

5pm: Close

Fees

Description Costs
In-person tuition £305.00
Online tuition £305.00

Tutors

Dr Martin Coombes

Course Co-Director

Martin currently works at the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford. Martin does research in weathering science and biogeomorphology, focussing on rocky coasts and urban (historic) environments. Martin has also been involved in various ecological engineering and green infrastructure projects.

Dr Martin Michette

Course Co-Director

Martin studied Architecture and Architectural Conservation and spent several years in practice. He is now a researcher in the Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab at the School of Geography and the Environment, and a departmental lecturer at Continuing Education. He co-leads an initiative called Sites at the Intersection of Natural and Cultural Heritage (SXNCH), which explores win-win opportunities for nature and the historic environment.

Heather Viles

Tutor

Heather is a geographer with major interests in geomorphology and heritage science. Heather was awarded the 2015 Ralph Alger Bagnold Medal from the European Geosciences Union for her role in establishing the field of biogeomorphology and the 2019 Melvin G. Marcus lifetime career award, Geomorphology Specialty Group, American Association of Geographers. In 2020 Heather was awarded the Founder's Medal by the Royal Geographical Society with IBG. She is also a Fellow of the British Society for Geomorphology.

Course aims

The course aims to facilitate synergistic management of nature at heritage sites by:

  • Exploring opportunities for nature in the historic built environment.
  • Presenting case studies of successful integrated management.
  • Identifying ongoing blocks and challenges and workshopping solutions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will have:

  • Improved understanding of how nature and heritage conservation can benefit each other.
  • Knowledge of current research, policy and regulation, and how to apply this to practice.

Application

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available to book for this course at Rewley House. If you have any questions regarding the accommodation please get in touch with Continuing Education Residential Centre res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk

All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms.