Measuring the impact of conservation action
An IUCN Green Status tool, developed by Wadham’s Molly Grace, has identified conservation metrics for some 181 species, outlined in a Conservation Biology paper published this week.
Wadham is shortlisted for the Oxford Preservation Trust Awards 2025
Date Published: 13.10.2025
We are pleased to be among the finalists in the Building Conservation category.
We and our project team, comprising Robert Montgomery Architects (Architect); Kingerlee Ltd (Main contractor); Attleys Roofing Ltd (Roofing contractor); Greenwood Projects (Quantity Surveyor); and Allen & Foxworthy Ltd (Scaffolding contractor) are honoured to have been shortlisted for an Oxford Preservation Trust award for our North Range roof-restoration project in Wadham's historic front quad.
We are committed to preserving the College's beautiful Grade I-listed, early 17th century, buildings for future generations of students, academics and visitors to enjoy. The College buildings are of national historic importance and, as custodians of them, we are responsible for caring for and sensitively restoring them.
The re-roofing of spaces above three staircases is part of our ongoing programme of restoration work in the historic Front Quad. Rapid action was needed as many of the old roof slates over the staircases had slipped over time, exposing some of the historic wooden rafters. Essential and swift repair work was required to preserve the roof structures in this 400-year-old building. We proceeded after securing listed-building consent and sourcing of appropriate materials.
Sustainability and conservation are priorities in all areas of College life. These considerations were at the heart of our restoration work. We reused as many of the old slate tiles as possible. Where the tiles could not be reused because of severe deterioration, we sourced replacement tiles in an environmentally conscious manner, including those that had been previously used on other buildings in the local area. As part of the project, we upgraded the insulation material in the roof, ensuring that it was compatible with this heritage building, to improve thermal performance and reduce energy consumption.
We thank our professional team, who worked with us to ensure that the work was carried out in accordance with best conservation practices. We thank College members, alumni, and friends of the College for their support throughout the project.
Congratulations to all our fellow finalists for this Oxford Preservation Trust award.
