24-25 April 2025

Parkside Building, Birmingham City University B4 7BD and Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley

A general introduction to the history of canals with particular emphasis on the canal heritage of the West Midlands, run in conjunction with the Canal and Rivers Trust. Issues of planning, conservation and sustainability will be discussed. The course will involve site visits and a canal trip. There will also be sessions on the conservation of canal vessels and on maritime and underwater heritage.

Course Description

Birmingham City University is offering workshops in Conservation of the Historic Environment which can be attended individually as elements of CPD training accredited by the IHBC (institute of Historic Building Conservation).

What are they?
There are two-day workshops on a range of topics related to Conservation of the Historic Environment - sustainability, conservation legislation, conservation planning, the history of British Buildings, project management and urban design, disaster management and heritage management, and so on. There are also more practical two-day workshops on lime, stone, timber, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ceramic building materials, twentieth-century building materials, building recording, historic interiors, traditional estate management and canal heritage. The hands-on workshops will include visits to working sites such as the Black Country Living Museum and Wightwick Manor near Wolverhampton.

Who are they for?
They are for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the management of the historic environment in a particular area. Or for those who want to refresh their skills. Or for those who want to do a short course as a taster before deciding whether to commit to a longer post-graduate programme.

How much do they cost?
£210 for each two-day course. Some courses have limited capacity.

What do they come with?
Each participant gets an attendance certificate and an extensive collection of resource material – reading list, articles and guidance.