Bridging continents through conservation

A new blog by National Trust for Australia (Victoria) Conservation Manager Alyce McCue

In April this year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Norway and the UK, supported by INTO through the TAP INTO programme. This initiative is all about fostering the global exchange of conservation knowledge and expertise between National Trusts – and I was thrilled to be part of it.

My journey began in Norway at the Borgund Stave Church, a breathtaking site owned and managed by Fortidsminneforeningen – the world’s oldest National Trust and also an INTO member. I was fortunate to be shown around by a carpenter who works on the building and knows it intimately.

Dendrochronology has dated parts of the timber to 1180, and the church’s longevity is due in part to the continued use of pine tar to protect the wood. The scent of pine tar, the intricate carvings, the runic inscriptions and the delicate ironwork on the front door all made for a deeply moving experience.

Being physically present in such a layered and storied place reminded me that historic buildings are not just relics – they are living, breathing records of human experience. They teach us about cultural significance, craftsmanship and the importance of maintenance and traditional materials.

Borgund Stave church, Norway

From Norway I travelled to the UK, where I visited several remarkable National Trust and National Trust for Scotland sites. I was warmly welcomed at three of the National Trust’s Specialist Crafts Centres: Clumber Park, Park Farm, and Hardwick Hall. These centres are dedicated to developing a skilled workforce in traditional trades like carpentry, joinery and masonry.

I was inspired by the teams’ passion and the high level of specialisation they bring to their work – restoring benches, windows, doors and stonework, and even creating new bespoke pieces. At Hardwick Hall, I saw a sculpture trail in progress, showcasing how conservation skills can also be used for creative expression.

At Coleshill Home Farm, home to the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, I saw how previously unused spaces have been transformed into vibrant places for learning and collaboration. The site was buzzing with activity – from school programmes to a traditional plastering course run by SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings). It was a powerful example of how conservation can benefit communities through skills training, employability and local enterprise.

Inside the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre. The centre aims to provide a space to share, develop and safeguard heritage conservation skills. Photo: National Trust

I also took the chance to learn from other organisations. I made chestnut roof shingles at Orchard Barn in Suffolk, crafted a chestnut hurdle at Nettlescombe Craft School, and attended the SPAB Repair of Old Buildings Course. One of the most impactful visits was to the Weald and Downland Museum – famous as the filming location for The Repair Shop.

This open-air museum tells the story of a cultural landscape, and a way of life rooted in resourcefulness and community. The connection between the buildings, gardens, crops and materials was a beautiful example of systems thinking in action.

Looking ahead

Throughout this journey, I reflected on the knowledge I’ve gained through my work in conservation and how I can share it more widely. Learning from the past and respecting the legacy of those who came before us is essential if we’re to build a sustainable and humane future. Conservation teaches us about the human and natural context of construction – and it challenges us to think critically about our current practices.

I’m incredibly grateful to INTO for supporting this experience, and I hope to continue giving back to my counterparts overseas. This journey has reaffirmed my belief that conservation is a global conversation – one that connects people, places, and time.