September 2006

ARCHITECTS CPD VISIT TO STOURHEAD ESTATE IN WILTSHIRE

VIEW THIS YEAR'S PHOTOS

This was the 5th 'away-day' CPD for architects organised by Luke Hughes & Company.

About forty braved an early start to join the coach at Hammersmith and embark for a tour to the extensive (c12,000 acres) forestry of the Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire.

The first part of the day included a presentation by the forester, David Pengelly and the owner Nick Hoare. Taking the party through the woods for several kilometres, David spoke about the management of plantation and natural forests, the issues connected with Forest Stewardship Certification and how FSC affects modern forestry planning. He also spoke about the composition of soils and their impact on long term strategies, the management of vermin control, and the possible uses architects might make of less well-known species. Nick recounted the history of the estate, the astonishing archive material relating to the woodlands (the family records cover virtually every tree planted since the early 1700s), and the importance of regular thinning and pruning - giving demonstrations of the tools of the trade.

A Lucas saw mill was set up to demonstrate the conversion of round-wood material and Luke Hughes gave a brief talk about timber types, their uses and the methods of conversion from log to plank.

After lunch, the visit continued with a tour of the National Trust's 350 acre 18th century landscaped park. The cultural associations behind the landscape, its lake and outstanding architectural buildings, as well as the problems facing the maintenance and conservation of an ever-changing landscape were covered in this part of the visit.

Comments from previous CPD groups encouraged us to make Stouurhead a regular trip:

'The whole day was just perfect..., very informative'
(Jane Lovett-Turner, WML + Woods Bagot)

'...fascinating. It was very interesting to learn about how the growing conditions and management of the forest affect the quality of the timber'
(Mark Querforth, Skidmore, Owens & Merrill)

'I felt incredibly privileged ... and so well instructed that I've been telling other people about it ever since' (Helen Rogers, MCM)

'...a fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes...' (Jenny Lovell, Allies & Morrison)

'... highly educational and stimulating' (Pam Bate, Michael Hopkins & Partners)

© Luke Hughes & Comapny, September 2006