https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/campaign-groups?format=rss&page=1&category_id=227 ConserveConnect en The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW), established in 1928 by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, is Wales’ oldest countryside charity. Its mission is to safeguard and enhance the natural beauty, environment, and cultural heritage of rural Wales. Operating through a network of 14 regional branches, CPRW engages in policy advocacy, planning scrutiny, and public education to ensure that development aligns with the character and needs of Welsh landscapes and communities. For building conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts, CPRW serves as a vital partner in promoting sustainable practices that respect and preserve Wales’ rural heritage.CPRW’s work encompasses a range of activities, including environmental campaigns, lectures, day schools, and the publication of the Rural Wales Magazine. The organization also recognizes exemplary efforts through the Rural Wales Awards, which honor projects that contribute positively to the Welsh countryside. These initiatives not only raise awareness but also encourage community involvement in conservation efforts. By fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of rural preservation, CPRW empowers individuals and groups to take active roles in protecting their local environments.In the realm of building heritage conservation, CPRW has been instrumental in advocating for the sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse of historic structures. The organization collaborates with local authorities, developers, and conservation professionals to ensure that renovations and new constructions are in harmony with the surrounding landscape and cultural context. Through its regional branches, CPRW provides guidance and support for projects that aim to maintain the architectural integrity and historical significance of rural Welsh buildings.CPRW’s influence extends to national policy, where it acts as a respected consultation body for government agencies and environmental organizations. The organization’s advocacy has led to greater consideration of environmental and heritage factors in planning decisions. For instance, CPRW has actively opposed developments that threaten the visual and ecological integrity of rural areas, such as large-scale wind farms and intensive poultry units, by presenting well-researched arguments and mobilizing public support. These efforts underscore CPRW’s commitment to balancing progress with preservation.For building conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts, CPRW offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for engagement. Membership provides access to a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to the protection of rural Wales. Through participation in local branch activities, educational events, and advocacy campaigns, members can contribute to the ongoing efforts to preserve the unique character of the Welsh countryside. By aligning with CPRW, individuals and organizations demonstrate a shared commitment to sustainable development and the conservation of Wales’ rich rural heritage. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/campaign-group-for-the-protection-of-rural-wales 84d9ee44e457ddef7f2c4f25dc8fa865 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:02:55 +0000 Campaign Groups The Canal & River Trust is a charitable organisation responsible for the stewardship of over 2,000 miles of historic canals and rivers across England and Wales. Established in 2012 as the successor to British Waterways, the Trust manages a vast network of waterways, reservoirs, docks, and heritage structures, including more than 2,700 listed buildings, 46 Scheduled Monuments, and 304 conservation areas. Its mission is to protect and enhance these waterways, ensuring they remain accessible and beneficial for current and future generations. The Trust's work encompasses environmental conservation, heritage preservation, and community engagement, making it a vital resource for building conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts interested in the UK's rich industrial heritage.For building conservation professionals, the Canal & River Trust offers extensive expertise in maintaining and restoring historic waterway structures. Their specialist teams are dedicated to the care of locks, bridges, tunnels, aqueducts, mileposts, and other significant structures along the waterways. The Trust employs heritage advisors who ensure that conservation work adheres to high standards, balancing the need for preservation with contemporary requirements. This includes crafting bespoke components, such as handcrafted lock gates, to maintain the authenticity and functionality of historic features.Homeowners residing near these historic waterways benefit from the Trust's commitment to preserving the character and integrity of the surrounding environment. The Trust collaborates with local communities to restore and repurpose heritage buildings, transforming them into functional spaces like cafes, educational centers, and holiday accommodations. These initiatives not only conserve historic structures but also enhance community engagement and local economies.Enthusiasts and the general public are encouraged to engage with the Trust's work through various programs and resources. The Trust operates museums and visitor centers, such as the National Waterways Museum, offering insights into the history and significance of the UK's waterways. Additionally, the Trust's archives house extensive collections of historic images and records, providing valuable information for research and education.The Canal & River Trust also plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, managing waterways that serve as vital habitats for diverse wildlife. Their efforts include planting trees, maintaining hedgerows, and installing fish passes to support biodiversity. The Trust's work ensures that the waterways continue to provide ecological benefits, recreational opportunities, and cultural value to communities across the UK. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/canal-river-trust 3644a684f98ea8fe223c713b77189a77 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:22:07 +0000 Campaign Groups The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a UK-based charity dedicated to addressing the climate emergency and alleviating fuel poverty. Established in 1979 and headquartered in Bristol, CSE empowers individuals, communities, and organizations to make informed decisions about energy use, promoting a transition to a low-carbon future. Their mission encompasses providing expert advice, conducting research, and delivering practical solutions to improve energy efficiency and sustainability across various sectors.For homeowners and building conservation professionals, CSE offers a range of services aimed at enhancing the energy performance of existing buildings while respecting their historical significance. Their retrofit services include personalized energy advice, guidance on grants and funding, and support for implementing energy-saving measures. CSE's approach ensures that interventions are sensitive to the architectural heritage of properties, balancing conservation with modern energy efficiency standards.CSE's research and consultancy arm collaborates with local authorities, housing providers, and businesses to develop and implement strategies for decarbonizing heat and achieving net-zero emissions. Their work includes analyzing data, engaging communities, and advising on policy to facilitate sustainable energy transitions. By integrating technical expertise with social considerations, CSE ensures that energy solutions are equitable and effective.In the realm of community engagement, CSE supports initiatives that empower local groups to take action on energy issues. Through projects like the Solar Wizard calculator, they provide tools for assessing the feasibility of solar PV installations, enabling communities to harness renewable energy. CSE also facilitates workshops and planning sessions to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.CSE's commitment to sustainable refurbishment aligns with best practices in the building heritage conservation industry. Their expertise encompasses integrating renewable energy technologies, improving insulation and ventilation, and utilizing low-impact materials—all while preserving the character and integrity of historic structures. By adopting a holistic approach, CSE ensures that energy efficiency upgrades contribute to the longevity and resilience of heritage buildings. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/centre-for-sustainable-energy 1534b76d325a8f591b52d302e7181331 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:33:16 +0000 Campaign Groups Create Streets is a UK-based social enterprise and multidisciplinary consultancy dedicated to promoting urban design that prioritises people, place, and planet. Founded in 2012 by Nicholas Boys Smith, the organisation emerged from a desire to counteract the prevalence of low-quality developments and irrational decision-making in urban planning. Create Streets advocates for "gentle density"—a development approach that emphasises walkable, human-scale neighbourhoods featuring terraced housing and mid-rise buildings. Their mission is to create beautiful, sustainable places that foster well-being, social cohesion, and economic vitality.Central to Create Streets' work is an evidence-based methodology that links urban form to health, sustainability, prosperity, and public support. Through extensive research, they have demonstrated that traditional street patterns and architectural styles often lead to more liveable and popular communities. Their projects span from advising on national housing policies to collaborating with local communities on neighbourhood plans, ensuring that developments align with residents' needs and preferences.For building conservation professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts, Create Streets offers valuable insights into integrating heritage with modern living. Their "Living Tradition" report, for instance, explores how adding mansard roofs to Georgian and Victorian buildings can provide additional living space while respecting historical aesthetics. Such initiatives demonstrate how sensitive design interventions can enhance the functionality of historic structures without compromising their character.Create Streets also engages in policy advocacy, aiming to reform planning systems to support the creation of places people love. Their "Create Streets Manifesto for Homes, Hope and Health" outlines practical suggestions to boost housebuilding and promote sustainable growth patterns. By influencing policy at both local and national levels, they strive to ensure that new developments contribute positively to the built environment and community well-being.In addition to consultancy and advocacy, Create Streets provides resources and tools for those interested in urban design and conservation. Their services include design codes, master-planning, regeneration strategies, and street assessments. By combining research, community engagement, and practical design solutions, Create Streets empowers individuals and organisations to contribute to the creation of places that are both beautiful and functional. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/create-streets c45147dee729311ef5b5c3003946c48f Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:51:13 +0000 Campaign Groups The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is the principal professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment specialists in the United Kingdom. Established in 1997, the IHBC is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of conservation practice, supporting the effective protection and enhancement of the historic environment, and advocating for heritage-led regeneration and public access to historic sites.The IHBC offers comprehensive educational programs, including recognized courses that align with national and international conservation standards. These programs are designed to enhance the professional development of individuals in the field, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and conserve historic places effectively.In addition to education, the IHBC provides technical guidance on legislation, regulations, and standards affecting the conservation of historic buildings and environments. By offering this support, the institute assists its members in navigating complex legal frameworks and promotes best practices in conservation efforts across the UK.The IHBC also fosters a sense of community among conservation professionals through a network of national and regional branches.This structure facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of heritage conservation at both local and national levels, contributing to the overall advancement of the field. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/institute-of-historic-building-conservation 6da37dd3139aa4d9aa55b8d237ec5d4a Thu, 26 Dec 2024 10:47:57 +0000 Campaign Groups The Norwich Historic Churches Trust (NHCT) is a UK-based registered charity dedicated to the preservation, maintenance, and adaptive reuse of 18 medieval churches in Norwich. Established in 1973, the Trust was formed in response to the redundancy of many city churches due to declining congregations and urban changes. Its mission is to safeguard these architecturally and historically significant buildings, ensuring they remain integral to Norwich’s cultural landscape. NHCT's guiding principle, “Adopt, Adapt, Improve,” reflects its commitment to conserving these structures while repurposing them for contemporary community use.NHCT's portfolio includes Grade I listed churches that have been transformed into vibrant community spaces, such as the Norwich Arts Centre, the Norwich Puppet Theatre, and the Oak Circus Centre. These adaptations demonstrate the Trust's innovative approach to heritage conservation, balancing historical integrity with modern functionality. By providing venues for arts, education, and social enterprises, NHCT ensures these historic buildings continue to serve the public in meaningful ways.For building conservation professionals, NHCT offers valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining and repurposing historic structures. The Trust has undertaken significant restoration projects, such as the stabilization of St Michael Coslany's tower and the extensive roof repairs at St Peter Hungate. These projects highlight NHCT's expertise in managing the challenges associated with conserving medieval architecture, including sourcing appropriate materials and adhering to conservation best practices.NHCT also engages with homeowners and heritage enthusiasts through educational initiatives and community involvement. Although the Centre for Parish Church Studies has closed, the Trust previously offered programs exploring the historical, social, and architectural aspects of parish churches. Additionally, NHCT organizes events like Flintspiration, which celebrate Norwich's medieval heritage through performances, family activities, and guided tours. These initiatives foster a deeper appreciation for the city's rich ecclesiastical history.NHCT encourages public participation through volunteering opportunities, allowing individuals to contribute to conservation efforts, guide visitors, and support events. The Trust also offers room hire at St Martin-at-Palace, providing space for compatible organizations and activities. By involving the community and promoting sustainable uses for historic buildings, NHCT ensures the ongoing relevance and preservation of Norwich's medieval churches.  https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/norwich-historic-churches-trust 70efdf2ec9b086079795c442636b55fb Sat, 26 Oct 2024 18:24:17 +0000 Campaign Groups The Almshouse Association, established in 1946, serves as the principal support charity for over 1,600 independent almshouse charities across the UK. Its mission is to promote the establishment, continuation, efficiency, and effectiveness of almshouse foundations, ensuring the provision, improvement, upkeep, and maintenance of almshouses and associated services.Almshouses, with a history spanning over a millennium, are charitable, self-sufficient, low-cost community housing held in trust for local people in need. They are managed and run by almshouse charities composed of local volunteers. Today, approximately 36,000 people reside in almshouses across the UK, benefiting from affordable housing that fosters community, well-being, safety, and security.The Association provides comprehensive support, information, and guidance on a broad range of issues to its member charities. This includes assistance with governance, legal matters, property maintenance, and resident welfare, ensuring that almshouse charities operate effectively and continue to serve their communities.In addition to supporting existing almshouse charities, the Almshouse Association is committed to expanding the almshouse movement. Over the next decade, it aims to establish new almshouse charities, deliver 5,000 new almshouses, and upgrade existing dwellings, thereby increasing the availability of affordable housing and enhancing the well-being of residents across the UK. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/the-almshouse-association 40008b9a5380fcacce3976bf7c08af5b Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:17:41 +0000 Campaign Groups The Ancient Yew Group (AYG), established in 2003, is a UK-based conservation organization dedicated to the study and preservation of ancient yew trees (Taxus baccata). Its mission encompasses raising public awareness about the significance of these ancient trees, conducting comprehensive surveys to record and monitor their health, and highlighting potential threats to their survival. By researching and collating historical and contemporary references, AYG aims to provide valuable advice to individuals and organizations on protecting these venerable specimens.A key component of AYG's work involves maintaining an extensive database of ancient yews, featuring over 2,500 trees across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Spain. This database serves as a crucial resource for researchers, conservationists, and the general public, offering detailed information on the location, size, and condition of these remarkable trees. Additionally, AYG provides an interactive map showcasing more than 1,000 sites where notable yews can be observed, facilitating greater public engagement and appreciation.Recognizing the vital role that yew trees play in the UK's natural and cultural heritage, AYG collaborates with various organizations, including the Church of England and the Church in Wales, to promote the conservation of yews situated in churchyards. These partnerships aim to create advisory networks that offer guidance on the care and management of ancient yews, ensuring their protection for future generations. Through such collaborations, AYG seeks to establish stronger legal protections and garner government support for the preservation of these ancient trees.In addition to its conservation efforts, AYG serves as a hub for yew tree enthusiasts, providing opportunities for discussion, research, and the sharing of knowledge. The organization publishes field reports, research papers, and articles on various aspects of yew trees, contributing to a deeper understanding of their ecological and historical importance. By fostering a community of like-minded individuals, AYG strives to ensure that information on yew trees and their conservation is widely disseminated among relevant organizations and the public, promoting a collective effort toward safeguarding these ancient natural treasures. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/the-ancient-yew-group 3dd48ab31d016ffcbf3314df2b3cb9ce Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:25:28 +0000 Campaign Groups The Georgian Group is the United Kingdom’s leading charity dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of Georgian architecture and landscapes, spanning the period from 1700 to 1837. Established in 1937, the organisation serves as a statutory consultee on planning applications involving listed Georgian buildings in England and Wales, ensuring that any proposed alterations or demolitions are scrutinised for their impact on the nation's architectural heritage. Operating from its headquarters at 6 Fitzroy Square in London—a restored Robert Adam townhouse—the Group combines advocacy, education, and expert guidance to protect the legacy of the Georgian era.For building conservation professionals, The Georgian Group offers invaluable resources and expertise. Its team of regional Conservation Advisers provides detailed assessments and recommendations on planning applications, often serving as the sole voice advocating for the preservation of Grade II listed buildings. The organisation's Casework Committee, comprising architects, historians, and conservation specialists, convenes regularly to deliberate on complex or contentious cases, ensuring informed and balanced decisions. Additionally, the Group's annual Architectural Awards recognise exemplary restoration and conservation projects, setting benchmarks for best practices in the field.Homeowners of Georgian properties benefit from the Group's extensive support network. Through its publications, including the biannual magazine The Georgian and the annual Georgian Group Journal, members receive practical advice on maintenance, restoration techniques, and historical context. The organisation also offers small grants via the F. E. Cleary Heritage Fund, aiding in the repair and restoration of Georgian buildings, monuments, and fixtures. Membership provides access to exclusive events, lectures, and site visits, fostering a community of informed and engaged property owners.For enthusiasts of Georgian architecture and history, The Georgian Group serves as a vibrant hub of information and activity. Its Young Georgians initiative engages individuals under 35 through tailored events and networking opportunities, cultivating the next generation of heritage advocates. The Group's symposia, such as the upcoming 2025 event on "Architecture and Literature 1660–1840," offer deep dives into specific aspects of the Georgian period, attracting scholars and laypersons alike. Furthermore, the organisation's library and the Pardoe Collection of architectural watercolours and engravings are accessible by appointment, providing rich resources for research and appreciation.In summary, The Georgian Group plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the United Kingdom's Georgian architectural heritage. Through its multifaceted approach—combining statutory consultation, expert advice, educational outreach, and community engagement—it ensures that the elegance and historical significance of the Georgian era continue to be recognised and preserved for future generations. Whether you're a professional in the field, a property owner, or simply an admirer of Georgian design, the Group offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to deepen your understanding and involvement. https://conserveconnect.com/organisations/the-georgian-group d645920e395fedad7bbbed0eca3fe2e0 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:50:37 +0000 Campaign Groups