Suffolk has a wealth of historic buildings that reflect its rich heritage. The county has over 13,000 Listed buildings, and the craft skills needed to sustain them are increasingly at risk. Yet they are not at risk because they are not needed. They are endangered because of an ageing workforce, a lack of training opportunities, and an uncertain economic climate.
These specialist skills, often unique to East Anglia – like pargetting, brickmaking, and flint knapping – are extremely valuable in ensuring that historic buildings can be maintained. At SPS, we promote the importance of these specialist heritage crafts.
We offer small grants to Suffolk-based heritage craft practitioners whose specialisms are recorded on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. Find out more and how to apply here – we are actively welcoming applications. And we are working with colleges and employers to develop heritage building scholarships for Suffolk-based students who have completed training in construction.
We are committed to ensuring that these important heritage building skills are passed on to future generations.
