FSG Fortifications at Risk Conference at Fort Brockhurst

As part of FSG's 50th anniversary programme we are pleased to be hosting a one day conference at Fort Brockhurst in Gosport.

The conference will explore the challenges and opportunities for the conservation and sustainable re-use of forts and related ex-military sites. We will be seeking to highlight and celebrate success stories and best practice in conservation and re-use of fortifications to encourage those responsible for sites at risk.

The following respected international and UK speakers will be sharing case studies. 

• Dame Caroline Dineage MP, MP for Gosport and Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee who recently undertook an inquiry into Protecting Built Heritage.
• Prof. Nataša Urošević – University of Pula, who will be talking about European best practice in fortified heritage management
• Dirk Roeder – Forte Cultura who will be explaining how European cultural routes such as FORTE CULTURA operate on two levels: 1) the cultural route as a multiplier for cultural tourism in fortresses 2)  The network as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and cooperation to promote and sustainably use fortified heritage.
• Jeroen van der Werf, Architectural Historian, Monument Protection Foundation, Naarden and Chair of the International Fortress Council whose theme will be Preservation through development?
• NEW Dr. Olha Tikhonova is a Ukrainian architectural historian and conservator specializing in bastion castles and fortifications her topic will be From Defense to Commons: Community-Driven Reuse of Fortifications
• NEW Celia Clark, author of Barracks, Forts and Ramparts. Regeneration Challenges for Portsmouth Harbour’s Defence Heritage (Tricorn Books 2020) who will summarise the successes and challenges experienced in Portsmouth.
• Deniz Beck, who will speak about the work of the Sustainable Conservation Trust and her professional work as an architect on fortification sites including 'Hotwalls' and Fort Gilkicker
• Steve Wallis - Senior Archaeologist, Dorset Council, discussing the lessons from the Rediscovering the High Angle Battery Project
• Alison Naylor, Volunteer and Engagement Manager, East and South East from our hosts English Heritage who will be joining the panel discussion

The proceedings of the conference will be published in FORT. 

The conference is being organised in collaboration with the Portsmouth based Sustainable Conservation Trust who have a great track record in the sustainable reuse of historic buildings for community benefit. 

The conference will run from 10:00 to 16:00 and a sandwich lunch will be provided. Coffee will be available for separate purchase. Fort Brockhurst will be open from 09:00 to 17:30 providing time to explore the fort. Parking will be available within the fort. 

To confirm your place please purchase a ticket using the link below - space is limited. We will send out detailed joining instructions nearer the time. 

The conference will be followed by a weekend of study visits to sites in the Portsmouth area. If you wish to also attend the study visits please register your interest on this separate page.