Introduction
There are c15,000 Grade II listed buildings in our region of the West Midlands.
With an innovative approach, and the power of volunteers, we plan to complete a condition survey of each and every one.
Our aim is to identify which buildings are most at-risk, as this will enable us and our stakeholders to focus support and investment towards the most vulnerable buildings. It will also get people out-and-about, actively engaging with their local heritage.
How you can help
* The Buildings at Risk project provides a uniquely flexible volunteering opportunity.
* No prior knowledge or experience of historic buildings is required – just an inquisitive nature and enthusiasm to explore!
* There is a 30-minute training module to complete before joining the project to ensure that every volunteer, whether novice or enthusiast, has a consistent approach. It is then up to you whether you dip-in while waiting for a bus, or structure a full day of exploring with friends. This project is an opportunity for us to build a community of volunteers; people like you who are interested in the historic landscape of the West Midlands and passionate about preserving for future generations.
There are so many buildings to survey, we are looking for as many volunteers as possible. Whether you only survey one building or one hundred, all contributions are important. Each survey takes less than 5 minutes, so you’ll be able to fit them around your day – whenever and wherever you like; there are historic buildings everywhere!
You can sign up to become a volunteer in 2 easy steps. Follow the steps to complete your online training module and then we can add you straight to the live project. It takes around 30 minutes to sign up.
All our volunteers are immensely important to us and make this project achievable.
The Two Simple Steps to Become a Volunteer
Volunteer Handbook Documents
The original material was published as HEAGO61 Volunteer Guide (C) Historic England (2015).
Any reproduction of the original work requires Historic England’s prior written permission and any reproduction of this adaptation of that work requires the express written permission of both Historic England and West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust. All Rights Reserved.
Historic England does not accept liability for loss or damage arising from the
use of the information contained in this work.
Website: Historic England
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions about the project,
please email us at bar@wmhbt.org.uk
Using the App
The Mergin Maps app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Simply search for ‘Mergin Maps’ in the App Store or Google Play Store.
The Mergin Maps app is free to download and use.
When you open the app, you should be able to see a home icon, a projects icon and explore icon. Click the projects icon and the WMHBT/Buildings at Risk should be visible. Click the downward facing arrow to the side to download the project.
Yes, you can. Click the more icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, then ‘layers’ finally click ‘Search for a Place’. Simply type in the search bar at the top and you’re done.
Click the GPS icon on the bottom of your screen to see your current location.
About the Project
Black dot – A grade 2*, Grade 1 listed building
Blue dot – A unsurveyed building
Red dot – A building at risk
Orange dot – Vulnerable building
Green dot – A building not at risk
Make sure you have synced. On your map, in the bottom right hand corner is a sync button.
Simply press that after completing your survey and all the information you inputted will be sent to us. You can complete several surveys while out and about and sync once you have a wifi connection.
There may be a short lag, but don’t worry.
About surveys
That’s okay, only record what you are able to see from publicly accessible land e.g roads and pavements. Do no peer through windows, shine lights through cracks, climb fences, or anything else that would involve entering land that may be in private ownership.
Step 1. Click on the blue icon on the map that relates to the building you want to survey.
Step 2. Tap the pencil icon in the top right hand corner of the text box
Step 3. Tap the big plus sign to add your survey.
Step 4. Go through the tabs to complete your survey.
Step 5. Add a photo (Remember to only take a single picture and don’t include people or number plates)
Step 6. Click Save
On your map, in the bottom right hand corner is a sync button. Simply press that after completing your survey and all the information you inputted will be sent to us. You can complete several surveys while out and about and sync once you have a wifi connection.
Step 1. Open your app and click the Record icon.
Step 2. Check you are in the right layer of the project. A text box will either say ‘Listed Buildings’ or ‘Suggest a building for local listing’. Make sure to click ‘Suggest a building for local listing’.
Step 3. Finally click add and you will be able to input your record.
If you see the prompt ‘list number’ you are in the wrong layer and should go back to step 2.