Talking Conservation
Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury 26 episodes Nov 7, 2026
Talking Conservation is a podcast about built heritage, covering topics related to historic buildings and heritage sites. The hosts, Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury, interview architects, surveyors, archaeologists, and other professionals. The show is aimed at owners of historic buildings, heritage site managers, and anyone interested in conservation. It discusses listed buildings, traditionally constructed buildings, and various heritage aspects.
Episodes
Old House Maintenance: Avoiding Costly Repairs with SPAB’s Mary Henn
Have we lost the habit of looking after our buildings? And why do we so often wait for something to go wrong before doing anything about it?In this episode of Talking Conservation, Rich and Stephen visit SPAB headquarters to meet technical officer Mary Henn for a conversation about old house maintenance — from disappearing DIY skills and the “rip it out and start again” approach to renovation, to
Worried About Woodworm? The Complete Guide Before You Spray
Found woodworm holes in your floorboards, roof timbers or old furniture? Before you pay for chemical treatment, this in-depth guide explains how to tell whether the infestation is actually active, why moisture matters, and what you should do next.This is our detailed look at woodworm treatment, going beyond the usual advice to simply spray the timber. We explain the science behind wood-boring beet
Worried about Dry Rot? Understand it first
In this episode of Talking Conservation, Rich and Stephen unpack one of the most feared problems in old buildings: Dry Rot.We look at what dry rot actually is, why the name is misleading, how it differs from so-called wet rot, and why the presence of a fruiting body does not always mean you need to panic. We also explain why moisture is still the key factor, how rot really spreads, when identifica
Why Timber Rots in Old Buildings (and how to stop it)
Why does timber rot, and what actually causes wood to decay in old buildings?In this second episode of our Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen dig into the real reasons timber rots, and why it is not simply a case of “old wood going bad”. We explore the role of moisture, fungal growth, ventilation, drying, and environment, and explain why understanding these basics is essential be
How Timber works in Old Buildings
What actually is timber, and why is it such an important material in old buildings?In this first episode of our new Talking Conservation timber series, Rich and Stephen go right back to basics to explain how timber works, where it comes from, and why understanding it is essential before diagnosing any problems in historic buildings.From how trees grow, to the difference between heartwood and sapwo
Listed Building Myths that can get you into serious trouble | Part 2
What happens if you rely on a builder’s advice, skip consent, or try to “fix it later” on a listed building?In this second myth-busting episode, we unpack the real legal risks of getting listed building works wrong. Joined again by conservation architect Claire Truman, Stephen and Rich explore some of the most dangerous misconceptions homeowners have about listed buildings, planning consent, and e
What CAN you do to a Listed Building? Part 1
What can you actually do to a listed building?In this episode of Talking Conservation, we cut through the confusion, myths, and half-truths that surround listed buildings and planning consent.Joined by conservation architect Claire Truman, we explore what homeowners are often told they can’t do, versus what the legislation and real-world practice actually allow. Drawing on professional experience
Talking Conservation Turns One – What We’ve Learned & What’s Next
It’s been one year of Talking Conservation — and in this special anniversary episode, Rich and Stephen step back to reflect on the journey so far. From favourite episodes to lessons learned behind the mic, they also reveal what’s coming next.In this episode:• Key takeaways from 12 months of podcasting• Exciting plans for 2025 — including hands-on training and a conservation day• Updates on Stephen
Lime Plaster Ceiling Repair for Old Homes | Decorative Cornice & Moulding Restoration Tips
In this final episode of our Lime Series, we’re joined once again by master plasterer Sean Wheatley to explore the finer details of working with lime plaster on ceilings, restoring decorative cornices, and repairing historic mouldings in older UK homes.We cover:How to approach lime plaster ceiling repairs safely and effectivelyWhy cornices and ceiling roses matter for character and breathabilityCo
How to Fix Ceilings in Older Homes – Lath, Plaster & Lime Advice with Master Plasterer Sean Wheatley
In this episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley, who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro.🧱 We discuss:● What materia
Up High: How Rope Access Protects Historic Buildings – Talking Conservation with Steve Hogarth
In this follow-up episode of Talking Conservation, we’re back with Steve Hogarth – SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access – to dive deeper into how conservation really happens at height.From blocked gutters and cracked coping stones to wildlife nests and fragile leadwork, Steve shares what really goes on when you're dangling from ropes on cathedrals, cas
Lime Mortar Details That Matter – Drip Detailing, Exposure & High-Level Repairs
What’s the biggest threat to your historic building? Water.In this special episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by Steve Hogarth — SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access — to explore how the smallest details up high can make the biggest difference to your building’s long-term health.We dig into:- Why effective drip detailing is critical to keepi
Understanding Substrates in Older Homes – Lime Mortar Series Bonus Episode
Before choosing your lime mortar or plaster, you need to understand your substrate.In this bonus episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explore the importance of knowing what's behind or beneath your mortar; from soft handmade bricks and old stone to chalk walls and cob. Whether you're repointing, plastering, or rendering, understanding the substrate is critical to choosing the right mi
Which Lime Mortar to Use? Part 3 – Floors, Chimneys & Exposured Areas
Not sure which lime to use for a chimney, solid floor, or coping stone? In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain how to choose and apply the right lime mix for floor construction and high-exposure areas in older homes.In this episode, Rich and Stephen continue their deep dive into lime mortars, exploring how to apply them in real-world contexts where performance under pressure really ma
Which Lime Mortar to Use? Part 2 – Plasters & Renders for Traditional Homes
Lime Plaster & Render Uses Explained — How to choose the right mix for old buildingsIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich continue their deep dive into lime applications; this time focusing on internal plasters and external renders for traditional and historic buildings.We discuss the different types of lime used in plaster and render work; including air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.
Which Lime Mortar to Use? Part 1 – Building & Pointing Old Brick and Stone
Lime Mortar Uses Explained — How to apply the correct mix for your historic homeIn this episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explain how different types of lime mortar are applied to traditional buildings; from soft brick pointing to bedding stone walls. We cover the pros and cons of air lime, NHL 2, NHL 3.5, and hot lime mixes and how they compare to cement-based mortars often found
Lime Mortar Types Explained – Essential Knowledge for Older UK Buildings
In this episode of Talking Conservation, we explain the different types of lime used in building and restoration work. If you have ever wondered what the difference is between air lime, natural hydraulic lime (NHL), pozzolans, or hybrid lime mixes, this video will give you a clear introduction.Understanding the types of lime is essential before starting any work on older or historic buildings. Whe
Lime Mortar for Old Homes – Chemistry, Conservation & Why It Still Works
Rich finds a lime kiln. Stephen nerds out on chemistry. Somehow, it all makes sense.In this episode of Talking Conservation, we walk through the full lime cycle — from burnt limestone to breathable lime mortar — and explain why it still matters today. Packed with practical knowledge, dry humour, and the occasional chemistry flashback, this is your crash course in the building material that’s been
The Old Sun Inn - Past, Present, & Future
Douglas Kent is the Technical Secretary ofSPAB, but in his private capacity purchased The Old Sun Inn, Saffron Walden, afew years ago, having previously acquired the neighbouring properties. We talkabout how Douglas got involved in conservation and how he came to the point ofbuying these buildings. We discuss thechallenges he has so far faced and those he is yet to tackle. Amongst theissues discu
The Highs and Lows of an Aviation Museum - with Ian Flint
Ian is the CEO of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (museum). We talk about his past and how he came to be at Stow Maries, as well as describing the site and its buildings. Some issues we specifically talk about are Hoop Iron and Asbestos. We also discuss the use of volunteers and how these are essential to the running of the museum. An ongoing problem that faces most museums is funding and we talk
Heritage home insurance: What every owner must know
Buildings Insurance for Historic Homes: Everything You Need to Know
In this episode, we sit down with Steve Moores, Client Director for Howden Insurance, to discuss the ins and outs of buildings insurance for historic homes. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or tenant of an old property, this episode is packed with essential advice to help you protect your home.
Key Topics Covered:
- How to a
Solo restoring an 1804 Naval Mansion – Greg's Epic DIY Journey | Man with a Hammer's Admiral’s House
If you're a fan of home renovations, historic properties, or jaw-dropping transformations, you’ve likely heard of Greg—better known on social media as “Man with a Hammer.” In this episode, we dive into his epic journey of restoring the Admiral’s House, a massive 8000-square-foot ex-Naval officer’s quarters in Plymouth, into a stunning forever home.
Built in 1804, this grand Georgian property boas
"Get a PCA Timber and Damp survey" what it means, why it happens and what to do about it.
In this episode we explore what many homeowners have experienced during the purchase process of buying an older property; the dreaded "you require a separate timber/damp survey".
Stephen and Rich discuss the reasons you may get such a requirement, usually from your mortgage lender, the history that surrounds it and finally what people can do about it to ensure you both satisfy the lending conditi
Historic Building Mythbusting with James Wright
MYTHBUSTING!James WrightWe are talking to James Wright - the Historic Buildings Mythbuster!We start off by looking into his background and how he got into building archaeology, and then we go on to tease a bit more out about him in terms of some of the grand buildings he's dealt with to some of the smaller historic buildings, and the lessons that he's learnt from those. We talk about some of the s
Everything Retrofit with the Directors of the National Retrofit Hub
In this episode, we interview the directors of the National Retrofit Hub - Rachel Owens and Sara Edmonds.00:00 Introduction00:52 What is NRH?02:02 Rachel’s background04:12 Sara’s background08:40 About the NRH, who is involved and getting the message across14:25 Reasons for, and benefits of, retrofit15:27 Retrofit for homeowners, builders and builders’ merchants20:50 Community involvement24:17 Gett
All things LIME with Ben Kerslake of Carrington Lime
In this episode we chat with Ben Kerslake of CarringtonLIME. Rich visited him at his premises in the Forest of Dean. We discuss Ben winning a Blue Peter competition, getting his neighbours to work on his house, and painting a room for 50p! On a more serious note, we talk about lime, hot lime, Naturally Hydraulic Lime, training, and innovation. Ben is keen to help train the next generation of plast
Meeting The Building Conservation Directory founder Jonathan Taylor
In this episode we talk with Jonathan Taylor, exploring his beginnings in Architecture and then as a Conservation Officer, before the founding of the Building Conservation Directory. We discuss its success and some of the challenges Jonathan faces in publishing, as well as issues that are close to Jonathan's heart relating to conservation and his concern that conservation is about more than just t
Introductions Episode - who we are and why we're doing this
An introduction to this podcast. Find out a bit about Stephen and Rich, what their motivations are, and what this podcast is about.Chapters:0:44 Introduction to Stephen7:24 Introduction to Rich13:08 How and why we’ve got together15:26 Why we’re doing this podcast16:12 What we mean by “Conservation”19:18 Misinformation online / media (print/TV etc)21:02 Dispelling myths 22:08 The need for homeowner
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