We’re incredibly proud to have launched DBR’s Southern Heritage Skills Education Centre, located on the historic Wiston Estate, right in the heart of the South Downs National Park. This new centre marks an exciting next chapter in our commitment to tackling the heritage skills shortage and nurturing the next generation of talented craftspeople. From school taster days and apprenticeship training to craft demonstrations and CPD seminars, the centre offers hands-on learning in a live heritage setting.

The traditional skills required to care for our historic built environment are in decline. Master craftspeople are retiring faster than they can be replaced. Young people too often lack awareness of, or access to, heritage careers. The skills pipeline is fragile.

Adrian Attwood, Executive Director and Chairman of DBR, remarked on the opening of our new Training and Education centre, “That is why today, I am proud to announce a bold step forward: the establishment of our mini Heritage Skills Education Centre. This centre will be a hub of excellence—where knowledge is passed on, where new talent is nurtured, and where heritage thrives not only in conservation, but in participation.”

We were treated to inspiring presentations from our Executive Director and Chairman Adrian Attwood, Helen Reeve of the Sussex Heritage Trust, and Kelly Bradley from the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal team.

One of the key messages of the day was that collaboration is vital to keeping heritage craft skills alive – a sentiment that clearly resonated with attendees, including representatives from local colleges, heritage organisations, and industry bodies.

Guests also enjoyed live demonstrations by our skilled masons, masonry apprentice, and master leadworkers – with many even getting hands-on and trying their hand at stone tooling!

We’re so excited about the opportunities this beacon of excellence will create for the future.

A special thank you to Wiston Winery for the incredible pop-up of English Sparkling Wine – it was the perfect finishing touch!

A huge thank you to all the organisations who joined us for the launch event — and to everyone supporting us on this journey to preserve and pass on traditional skills:

Building Crafts College
Cerowski Architects
Chichester College
CIOB
COH Surveyors
Donald Insall Associates
Hanslip & Co
Historic England
Lancing College
National Trust
Stone Federation GB
The Sussex Heritage Trust
The Restoration & Renewal Delivery Authority for the Palace of Westminster,
Weald & Downland Museum
Wiston Estates

Film by Justin Golby of Golby Films