Nathan Goss Conservation

07/10/2026

An exciting announcement!

Strata Florida Trust and World Monuments Fund (WMF) are pleased to announce the start of conservation works on the historic Stable Block at Strata Florida Abbey.
This exciting new phase of work will see the former stables carefully conserved and adapted to create flexible new spaces for the Trust’s educational and cultural programming. Uniquely, the conservation of the building will itself become part of that programme, creating an opportunity for local students to learn a new craft. In collaboration with local colleges, universities and tradespeople, a traditional building skills programme has been developed, giving participants the chance to develop practical skills in traditional stonemasonry, carpentry, slating, plastering and limework, while gaining valuable experience working on a real heritage site alongside skilled craftspeople.
As activity gets underway, visitors will notice changes around the site, including scaffolding and road-widening works. Temporary hoarding around the Stable Block now features a beautiful new mural designed by Driftwood Designs in collaboration with the local community, which informs visitors of the work underway whilst also celebrating the historical and cultural significance of Strata Florida.
“What makes this project different is that the conservation itself is part of the learning. Over the next two years, students will work alongside skilled craftspeople on a real historic building, following in the footsteps of generations who have built and made things at Strata Florida. Instead of practising on a wall that will eventually be taken down, they’ll be able to point to the Stables and say: ‘I worked on that.’ And when the work is finished, the Stables will remain a place for learning, craft and culture, continuing a tradition that has been part of Strata Florida for centuries.” – John Darlington, Director of Projects, World Monuments Fund Britain.
Further details about the project, its partners and the training programme will be announced shortly.

World Monuments Fund Strata Florida Trust Lizzie Spikes

07/10/2026

This project has been years in the making, and it has been an absolute pleasure working with the World Monuments Fund and the Strata Florida Trust. Bringing this initiative to life and finally welcoming students has taken a phenomenal amount of work. Our team has worked tirelessly to make this project a success and we can't wait to see it thrive! World Monuments Fund Strata Florida Trust - Ymddiriedolaeth Ystrad Fflur Carys Aldous-Hughes Lizzie Spikes Lowri Goss

An exciting announcement!

Strata Florida Trust and World Monuments Fund (WMF) are pleased to announce the start of conservation works on the historic Stable Block at Strata Florida Abbey.
This exciting new phase of work will see the former stables carefully conserved and adapted to create flexible new spaces for the Trust’s educational and cultural programming. Uniquely, the conservation of the building will itself become part of that programme, creating an opportunity for local students to learn a new craft. In collaboration with local colleges, universities and tradespeople, a traditional building skills programme has been developed, giving participants the chance to develop practical skills in traditional stonemasonry, carpentry, slating, plastering and limework, while gaining valuable experience working on a real heritage site alongside skilled craftspeople.
As activity gets underway, visitors will notice changes around the site, including scaffolding and road-widening works. Temporary hoarding around the Stable Block now features a beautiful new mural designed by Driftwood Designs in collaboration with the local community, which informs visitors of the work underway whilst also celebrating the historical and cultural significance of Strata Florida.
“What makes this project different is that the conservation itself is part of the learning. Over the next two years, students will work alongside skilled craftspeople on a real historic building, following in the footsteps of generations who have built and made things at Strata Florida. Instead of practising on a wall that will eventually be taken down, they’ll be able to point to the Stables and say: ‘I worked on that.’ And when the work is finished, the Stables will remain a place for learning, craft and culture, continuing a tradition that has been part of Strata Florida for centuries.” – John Darlington, Director of Projects, World Monuments Fund Britain.
Further details about the project, its partners and the training programme will be announced shortly.

World Monuments Fund Nathan Goss Conservation Lizzie Spikes- Driftwood Designs

10/07/2026

Chuffed to say that a project i worked on with has won an award. The main contractors were Peter Bricknell Conservation and the architect was Michael Davies.

01/07/2026

From calcium carbide testing walls in Aberystwyth museum to dating "non locking cockspur window handles in Abergavenny to road widening at Strata Florida to project management at St Donats Castle, all in all its been a busy start to the week...

10/06/2026

I returned today to this beautiful century oat mill, tucked away in the heart of rural Ceredigion, to take photographs and make a few notes ahead of its forthcoming listed building consent application. Sitting outside the cottage with a cup of tea, I was treated to the sight of a kingfisher catching its breakfast, it was too quick for my camera to capture, but a delight to watch nonetheless.

07/06/2026

A scallop shell over a doorway traditionally symbolises pilgrimage, divine protection, and hospitality. It indicates that a building historically offered safe passage or rest to travelers, or that the homeowner was a devoted pilgrim. This particular doorway belongs to a grade II* building, possibly the only surviving late medieval gentry house in Ceredigion.

27/05/2026

17/05/2026

Friday was all about churches. Two great meetings with very enthusiastic wardens. One QQ report and a drone survey to carry out soon.
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14/05/2026

Two really interesting visits yesterday. The first, situated at the base of the black mountains, a lovely farmhouse dated 1725, originally owned by the Lewis family who were the Lords of Gwynfe. The second, situated in the heart of Llandeilo, a very quaint bandstand, built in the early 1900's on land donated by the Dinefwr estate.

08/05/2026

A great day carrying out a survey at Plas Newydd this week. Some lovely detail in this wonderfully timber clad Grade II* building. Predominantly Gothic in style with a hint of Baroque, Medieval and Folk, all gathered by the 'Ladies of Llangollen'..
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