Soft Capping to Protect Ruined Masonry
The use of soft capping (grass and soft herbaceous plants) on the top of ruined walls rather than hard capping with stone, mortars and cement can have many long-term conservation benefits. Historic England's report looks at the research and trials carried out.
The report provides advice about soft capping and issues to consider. The report concludes:
- Soft capping is a much less disruptive intervention than hard capping
- Soft capping requires much less invasive maintenance and monitoring
- The use of soft capping might secure more historic fabric as it is relatively easy to install, and should also contribute to enhanced conservation and biodiversity at heritage sites
- Soft capping has proved to be a highly cost-effective solution to many conservation problems
- The evidence clearly shows it is the natural way to protect walls
- Soft capping can lead to a major change in the appearance of sites and this needs to be considered before installation
