AUGUST 2001

ARCHITECTS VISIT STOURHEAD

This August Luke Hughes & Co organised the first 'away-day' CPD for architects.

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 Woodmizer saw mill was set up in the woods 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, Richard Higgs, the Head Gardner of the National Trust's Stourhead 18th century landscaped park, led the group around the 350 acres under his care. He pointed out 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.

'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 privilege ... 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)

This is the first such outing organised for architects and was an extension of the established CPD lectures that Luke Hughes has been giving for some years. If you would like further details for future outings, please get in touch by e-mail to

© Luke Hughes & Company, January 2002

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