The Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership has been formed to resurrect the once well-known Weald Forest Ridge name and celebrate the area’s local distinctiveness. The Ridge runs east to west from Tonbirdge to Horsham. The Partnership is committed to delivering a three year Scheme, from 2009 to 2011. The scheme aims to give people the knowledge and skills to protect and enhance the special features of the area so that people can continue to enjoy them in the future. The work is being funded by contributions of over £1.3million, in both financial and in-kind contributions by the delivery partners and a £2 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is pleased to be one of the delivery partners.

As part of the project in 2009, the Museum provided a series of specialist courses in conserving and renovating the distinctive tile hung, weather-boarded and half timbered houses of the area as well teaching how to conserve the historic ironwork which is a legacy from the areas past as a centre of iron production in Roman and Tudor times. These courses will be repeated in September 2010, and we have added two further courses on practical scarf repairs to timber buildings, and an introduction to the repair of historic brickwork.

For those living or working within the Weald Forest Ridge area, substantial discounts on the course fees are available.

For details of these courses click here

The landscape of the Forest Ridge has been shaped by its inhabitants over hundreds of years. Nowadays 325,000 people live within the Ridge and its eight neighbouring towns (Horsham, Crawley, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, Crowborough, Uckfield, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge). The Partnership aims to enable people to more easily access and enjoy the area, learn about its unique heritage and take part in caring for and enhancing the distinctive natural and built features that make the Weald Forest Ridge a special place to be.

For further information on the many other projects that are taking place as part of the scheme visit the website at www.highweald.org  or call Simon Aguss on 01580 879500

Programme for 2010/2011 now published.  Details

Courses for Heritage Professionals

Building Conservation comes of Age

A one day conference exploring building conservation’s journey from the avant garde of the 60s to its current mainstream acceptance.

Tuesday 28th September 2010 9.30am-4.30pm
at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum.

How did it all start? Who were the pioneers? How has it developed? Where is it going? Hear papers from the key people whose practical and teaching contributions over the last forty years have brought us to a time when most people understand the importance of conserving our built heritage. The day will be informative, cover a wide spectrum of crafts and be inspirational. This conference is one part of the celebrations to mark the Museum’s Ruby Anniversary.

£60 per person including refreshments all day. Places will be limited so call 01243 811464 to book your place.   There is an optional spit roast in the evening for £10.

Evening Talks - Tales from the Downs and beyond..

Just published - the programme for 2010 for these popular talks.  All the speakers are experts in their fields, who will share their knowledge on these evenings in a relaxed talk, with illustrations. Questions are welcome. The talks will start at 6.30pm, with refreshments.  Details