DHBT Launch new B@R Research Project with the University of Derby
- Admin
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The DHBT team were back at the University of Derby’s Kedleston Road Campus recently. The Trust’s President, Derek Latham, and Heritage Development Officer, Anna Cluley, were invited by Dr Kathleen McIlvenna to launch a live research brief for a group of the university’s second year History and English students. This brief forms part of their ‘Research in Practice’ module and is based around widening public engagement with DHBT’s ‘Buildings at Risk’ (B@R) project.
The session began with an introduction to the Trust’s work over the years and our current National Lottery Heritage Fund project led by Derek. Anna then took the students through the background to the B@R project, the vital role played by DHBT’s volunteers and the innovative B@R app created by our colleagues at the West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, with support from Historic England.
The app is a pioneering digital tool that allows volunteers to record and monitor the condition of Grade II listed buildings. A colour-coded system is used to categorise buildings by their state of repair, creating an invaluable resource for conservation efforts. Through our fantastic volunteers’ dedicated efforts, over 90% of the Grade II listed buildings in Derby and Amber Valley have now been surveyed, with the project in South Derbyshire also well underway.
After this presentation, Anna and Derek set out the aims of the research project which focus on improving access and inclusion within the project and considering the future benefits and uses of the app. Students then had the opportunity to ask Anna and Derek questions about the B@R project and DHBT’s wider work.
With his characteristic energy and enthusiasm, Derek, a leading light of the Trust since its inception, was able to inspire the students to see the real-life benefits and applications of the research they will be doing by sharing details of some of DHBT’s many successes rescuing ‘Buildings at Risk’.
The launch of this project marks the next phase of an exciting partnership between DHBT and the University of Derby. We can’t wait to see what fresh insights the students will give us to help enhance our B@R project and wider work!
If you would like to get involved or receive some support with our ‘Buildings at Risk’ project, send the team an email to:
We are always happy to provide online support or arrange a 1:1 support session at a time to suit you.
This project has been made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players.
To find out more about heritage-based study and research at the University of Derby, follow them on Instagram @derbyuni_history
