Repair Grants for Historic Farm Buildings in Dartmoor National Park

Abstract

[EN] The Historic Rural Building Pilot Scheme, launched in 2018, was a collaborative project between national cultural and natural heritage organisations, government agencies and five English National Parks. Its aim was to bring life back to traditional agricultural buildings within the boundaries of participating National Parks. Funding was available for building repairs using traditional methods and materials, with the aims of preserving the distinctive character of the areas and keeping the buildings in continued agricultural use.The Author is an independent heritage consultant employed by Dartmoor National Park Authority to oversee the 13 repair projects selected there. These ranged in size from small, isolated barns to a large, late 19thcentury model farmstead. Typical works included masonry and cob repairs, timber repairs, roof replacement etc. A total of £1.3m has been offered in the National Park covering 80% of the cost of eligible repairs.The paper briefly describes Dartmoor and provides an overview of the scheme. Individual case studies are considered, illustrated with photos, describing the history and significance of each building, their construction, the structural problems affecting them before repair; and the philosophy and solutions adopted.