Project Manager, James Mellish, Conservation in Action at the Abbey Gardens
English Heritage alongside The Town Trust and members of the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project welcomed members of the public to a free Conservation in Action Day in the Abbey Gardens on 5 August. The event offered a unique opportunity to see conservation specialists at work, repairing the Abbey’s historic flint walls using traditional techniques and materials.
Throughout the day, visitors could watch live demonstrations of traditional stonemasonry and hot lime mortar, as well as rope-access techniques used by specialists working on the Abbey’s historic fabric. These demonstrations provided a fascinating insight into the skills, knowledge and craftsmanship involved in caring for one of Suffolk’s most important historic sites.
The event, hosted by English Heritage, was designed to be accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages, with family activities providing opportunities for younger visitors to get involved and discover more about the Abbey’s history and conservation. Members of the public could also meet the conservation team, ask questions and learn more about the conservation of the Abbey ruins and the wider Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project and the work taking place to safeguard the site for future generations.
The Conservation in Action Day was also an opportunity to bring the project to life beyond the Abbey Gardens. The event demonstrated the value of opening up conservation work to the public, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the specialist skills and traditional techniques helping to preserve the Abbey’s historic fabric. It was a successful day of learning, participation and community engagement, bringing the English Heritage and the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project closer to the people it aims to inspire and involve.
The Bury Free Press joined the event and wrote an article where you can view more photos of the day here.
