Courses in association with The National Trust
At Heritage Lime, we’re always passionate about sharing our hard-earned knowledge with the people around us. We believe that skill-sharing is essential for inspiring the next generation of stonemasons, and keeping the traditional craftsmanship of masonry alive.
We’ve collaborated with The National Trust to create an exciting range of engaging, hands-on courses for you to learn more about the art of working with stone. You can find more details about our courses and how to book below.
Pointing: Theory & Practice
20th-21st march 2026
This two-day course will introduce you to the theory and practice of the traditional process of pointing. This program has been developed by a professional architectural stonemason and historic building conservator/consultant as an introductory educational package.
Cost – £300 + £50 tool bundle for course* (£350 total)
Friday 20th March – Saturday 21st March 2026 – 9am – 4pm
Course Content:
· You’ll learn the history and tradition of this craft, with a balanced itinerary of theory and practical examples with demonstrations.
· Uncover an in-depth knowledge of the lime cycle; from calcining to matured lime putty, manufacturing, conservation ethics and
principles – plus on site practical examples.
· We’ll address all aspects of proper lime pointing/repointing practice, from correct raking out & preparation, through mortar choices and
applications, to after care and finishing techniques.
· You’ll also get the chance to do real conservation repointing on a listed structure/building. On the second day of the course, we’ll
produce a “Hot Lime” mortar that will be directly used on site.
This program has been developed by a professional architectural stonemason and historic building conservator/consultant as an introductory educational package.
Who is this course for?
Listed building owners, architects, surveyors, builders who have not previously worked with lime, anyone undertaking a project
on a historic building, or as general CPD for any related sectors.
Other useful information:
· Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge during two short mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks.
· Lunch will be at 1pm-1.30 pm. Please bring your own packed lunch.
· An option to purchase tool bundle will be offered at the payment phase of booking/enrolment
*The tool bundle is not a compulsory purchase, and you’re welcome to bring your own tools and PPE (meaning you will pay £250 for the course). However, you WILL need what is listed in the tool/PPE bundle to effectively participate in this course/workshop.
Tool / PPE bundle includes:
· A stone pick (for raking out)
· A plastic hawk and selection of pointing tools
· Waterproof site gloves
· Safety glasses
· Sturdy site bucket
· Sponge
· Simple spray bottle
· All other materials are included in course price
Enrolment & payment must be received 2 weeks prior to course commencement. Last minute cancellation will only be refunded in full
with valid reason. If you’ve selected the additional Tool Bundle as part of your purchase, we won’t be able to refund this portion of the course fee.
Conservation Stone Repairs: Theory & Practice – 17th-18th April 2026
This two-day course will introduce you to the theory and practice of conservational stone repairs. This program has been developed by a professional architectural stonemason and historic building conservator/consultant.
Cost – £300
Friday 17th April – Saturday 18th April 2026 – 9am-4:30pm
Course Content:
· Discover and explore Cotswolds geology & stone types
· Practice the mortar repair and the basic fixing of stone
· Explore indent stone replacement
· Learn to lay your stone with lime
· The use of stone glue/resin, stainless steel components
· Condition assessment & diagnosis
· Preparation of heritage conservation mortars
· Practice basic stone cutting & preparation for replacement
Who is this course for?
· Anyone who wants to learn and understand how to repair stone in a traditional way, whilst strictly following conservation guidelines and techniques.
· Useful CPD for anyone currently working in the heritage building sector; architects, surveyors, planning officers, etc
· Anyone in construction/building services who is looking to diversify their skill sets.
Other useful information:
· The course will be run from the Orton room, a wonderfully atmospheric craft studio.
· Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge during two short mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks.
· Lunch will be at 1pm-1.30 pm. Please bring your own packed lunch.
· All tools for this course will be provided due to the specialised nature of this work.
· This program will be limited to 10 applicants, due to the complex nature and time that some of the processes take.
· Some prior tool skills would be useful, but this is definitely not an impediment to you participating on this program.
