Up High: How Rope Access Protects Historic Buildings – Talking Conservation with Steve Hogarth

About this episode

This episode features Steve Hogarth discussing the advantages of rope access in the conservation of historic buildings.

In this follow-up episode of Talking Conservation, we’re back with Steve Hogarth – SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access – to dive deeper into how conservation really happens at height.From blocked gutters and cracked coping stones to wildlife nests and fragile leadwork, Steve shares what really goes on when you're dangling from ropes on cathedrals, castles, and churches – and why rope access can offer major advantages over traditional scaffolding.We explore:• What rope access actually is and when it’s used• Real-world examples of unexpected issues found at height• Why hands-on surveys can reveal more than drones or binoculars• The most common (and preventable) problems that damage old buildings• How rope access enables small, cost-effective repairs that prevent bigger failures• What makes rope access viable (or not) for domestic buildings• Why it’s an essential part of modern conservation practiceWhether you’re a homeowner, architect, or heritage professional, this episode offers unique insight into how careful, targeted intervention at height can extend the life of historic buildings.👉…

People in this episode

Hosts: Stephen Boniface, Rich Alesbury

Guest: Steve Hogarth

Topics covered

• rope access
• historic building conservation
• heritage masonry
• scaffolding alternatives
• building maintenance
• hands-on surveys

Keywords

• rope access
• historic buildings
• conservation
• heritage
• scaffolding
• building repairs
• surveys
• maintenance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Highlife Rope Access, SPAB

More episodes of Talking Conservation

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• Why Timber Rots in Old Buildings (and how to stop it) · April 24, 2026 · 59 min
• How Timber works in Old Buildings · April 12, 2026 · 55 min
• Listed Building Myths that can get you into serious trouble | Part 2 · February 6, 2026 · 59 min
• What CAN you do to a Listed Building? Part 1 · January 30, 2026 · 43 min
• Talking Conservation Turns One – What We’ve Learned & What’s Next · November 1, 2025 · 28 min