Abseiling conservation team to work on Lindisfarne Castle
Jun 20 2009 by Vicky Robson, The Journal
BRAVE workers will take the plunge to repair an iconic Northumberland building. The specialist conservation team are set to scale the walls and abseil down Lindisfarne Castle, on Holy Island, to carry out essential maintenance work.
Steel rods will need to be inserted into the rock underneath the castle to reinforce it and there will be a programme of conservation to the upper walls.
Specialists on the case are Stone Technical Services, based in Darlington, who deal in high level access and conservation, safety systems, and lighting conductor installations.
Contract engineer Mike Grace said: “It’s testing work dealing with loose rock and masonry at heights, but we’re privileged to work on this fabulous castle. The National Trust staff have taken great care to integrate this safety and conservation works programme without inconveniencing their visitors.”
Work will start by treating Mediterranean plant Red Valerian, which is growing at the castle. Its deep roots are penetrating the whinstone base and causing instability.
Stephen Morley, the National Trust’s regional nature conservation adviser, recommended an appropriate treatment and application methods on the plant species because of its sensitive location.
Contractors Stone Technical Services have already worked on other major UK landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, Hexham Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey, Westminster Abbey Chapter House, Bishopthorpe Palace and Patrington Church.
Property manager for the National Trust, Catherine Atkinson, said: “Every year the National Trust carries out essential maintenance work to the castle and we have worked with Stones Technical Services for a number of years for specialist jobs such as this.
“You’d have to have a good head for heights to scale the walls of the castle as these dedicated experts do.”
The castle will be open as normal to the public while the repairs are carried out, except on Mondays. Opening times vary depending on the tide.
:: For more from our local Nothumberland websites, go to www.journallive.co.uk/yourplace
