Greendale Director, Chris Kane attended the Historic Buildings, Parks & Gardens Event (HBPGE) on Tuesday 11th November 2025, held alongside the Historic Houses National AGM. The event, free to attend and celebrating the care and conservation of historic buildings, landscapes, parks and gardens, brought together a wide range of experts, organisations, and exhibitors showcasing both traditional craftsmanship and modern conservation technologies.
Throughout the day, Chris had to opportunity to explore over seventy exhibition stands offering advice and services covering everything from restoration, decoration, and estate management to lighting, fine art conservation, and software for heritage venues. With engaging demonstrations – including sessions on traditional paints by Rose of Jericho, plasterwork by Locker & Riley, and sash window repairs demonstrated by SPAB Fellows James Bull and Ross Harris, the event was an insightful and informative day, and of particular interest as Greendale Construction have an impressive portfolio of successful and high value projects in its Heritage and Conservation sector.
Amy Walsh presented a talk on preserving art collections from damp and mould, and a talk on on protecting statues with winter covers by Cliveden Conservation. Chris joined the Remembrance Day two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. and later listened to keynote addresses by Jason Lindsay, President of Historic Houses, Baroness Twycross from the DCMS, and Dr Anna Keay OBE, Director of The Landmark Trust.
The afternoon brought short talks, including, “Transforming Historic Landscapes” by Charlotte Harris of Harris Bugg Studio and “Don’t Replace – Repair” by Douglas Kent of SPAB. The “Heritage Potential Quiz” brought an engaging close to the programme, sparking lively discussion about why heritage planning matters.
Chris commented: “Attending the Historic Buildings, Parks & Gardens Event was an inspiring and informative day. The blend of hands-on demonstrations, expert talks, and networking opportunities provided valuable insight into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of historic building and landscape conservation.
“It was a fantastic event bringing together everyone passionate about the care, repair, and conservation of our historic buildings, parks, and landscapes. The exhibition was buzzing with energy.
“Greendale is very proud of its works in the heritage and conservation sector, including high profile historical buildings such as Highcliffe Castle, phases 6 & 7, Shire Hall, and more recently, The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, and out most recent £4.4 million works at Poole Museum. We look forward to successfully handing over more projects which help preserve the history of these buildings, which is to the benefit of all future generations, over the coming years.”
