Barns and Buildings: South West Peak

Barns and Buildings

Project summary

This project focuses on field barns throughout the South West Peak and their cultural importance to surrounding communities. These charismatic features of the landscape are built from local materials and most were constructed in the years leading up to World War I. By studying and preserving these structures and their designs we can learn about how the techniques of upland farming have changed over the last 150 years.

Partly as a result of the harsh environment of the area many of these structures have fallen into disrepair over the years and are no longer actively used. As such this project aims to identify, record, and where possible, repair these wonderful structures.

In order to accomplish these goals we will be working closely with local communities and landowners; along with craftsmen and women to help repair these barns and teach the next generation of community leaders how to care for this valuable heritage.

Preserving a charismatic feature of the landscape which is in danger of disappearing
Tracing the history of land use through its buildings
Training local people in the skills they need to repair field barns
Exploring alternative uses for field barns
Recording barns across the landscape

How you can help!

Do you want to help preserve field barns? Follow these tips so we can work together to protect local heritage.

Remember to respect historic structures when out walking and discourage littering.
Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints
If you see something out of place or notice vandalism to a field barn, [contact us] so we can help fix it.
Learn more about Field Barns of the Peak District.
Field barns are owned by private farmers in most cases; respect their property if you visit.

Volunteer

Upcoming activities

Level 1 building and landscape survey: Pott Shrigley

Sat 15 Aug 2020

Visit to Ecton Mine

Fri 20 Mar 2020

Project Training: Barns and Buildings & Small Heritage Adoption Projects - Level 1 building and landscape survey

Sat 14 Mar 2020

View all

Take a look at some additional information that will help you protect and learn about the Barns and Buildings of the South West Peak

Field barns can provide important nesting and roosting habitats for bats, swallows and owls.

The form, location and internal arrangements of field barns reflect the changes that have occurred in upland farming practice over the last 150 years.