Visitors can discover more about the Wellington Monument project at a ‘meet the experts’ morning this week.

Expert contractors and National Trust staff will be on hand to answer any questions and will also be conducting investigation work on this much-loved historic structure.

At 175ft tall, the monument is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. It has had a chequered history of structural problems right from its early days, but after years of surveying and research the trust announced earlier this year that repair work for the most badly damaged areas will be starting in spring 2019 and will continue for much of 2020. The trust is fundraising towards the remaining £2 million needed to repair the whole monument.

Last year Carrek, which specialises in the conservation of historic buildings, tested different grouts and mortars on samples of the monument’s stonework. It is returning next week to see how effective these trials have been and its findings will inform the final repair work. As part of this, it will be unpicking and rebuilding sections of the wall.

Ken Evans, building surveyor at the National Trust, said: “We really enjoying talking to people about our project at the Wellington Monument and sharing plans for its future. This open day is a great opportunity for visitors to see conservation in action and to ask any questions they may have about what we’re doing and why.”

National Trust staff will be at Wellington Monument with representatives from Carrek on Wednesday (May 30) from 10am-1pm. For more information on the project visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellington-monument