New College Durham (NCD) students are helping to keep North East history alive after successfully restoring a historic livestock trailer for Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. Students from the college’s Level 2 Site Carpentry programme completed the extensive refurbishment of a traditional farm trailer that had fallen into disrepair.
Restoration project details
The trailer had deteriorated to the point where it could no longer be used by the museum’s farming team. The project began after discussions between Carpentry Lecturer Dave Hutchinson and Beamish Museum staff, who identified the trailer as an ideal real-world restoration project for students. Working to professional standards, students conducted a detailed survey, recorded measurements and timber profiles, and carefully dismantled the structure. Original timber components were removed, while the metal framework was stripped, prepared, and recoated for long-term preservation. Using hardwood supplied by Beamish, students cut, dressed, and profiled replacement timbers to match the original designs before meticulously rebuilding the trailer.
Student experiences and impact
Dave Hutchinson said: “This project has been an outstanding experience for our students. Working on a genuine heritage restoration rather than a simulated workshop exercise gave them the opportunity to apply their skills in a meaningful and highly professional setting. They demonstrated tremendous attention to detail, craftsmanship and pride throughout the project. Most importantly, they know that their work will contribute to being seen and used by visitors to Beamish for years to come.”
Shay Richardson, one of the Level 2 Carpentry students who took part in both restorations, said: “I really enjoyed working on both the trailer and the window frames for the signal box at Beamish. It was great to learn the traditional ways in which they would have been built in times gone by. Even though at times it was quite stressful because of deadlines and tolerances it’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve learnt a lot.” Another student, Lucas Piercy, said: “My favourite part was making the window frames. It’s something I’d never done before so it was great to get a new experience. It’s special to think that my college project will be seen by the many visitors to Beamish.”
Previous collaboration and future plans
This is the second major project NCD carpentry students have completed for Beamish. In May 2026, learners handcrafted 12 replacement windows for the museum's historic station signal box. Dave Hutchinson added: “Our partnership with Beamish Museum has gone from strength to strength and this is now the second major project our carpentry students have completed in support of the museum. The relationship has been hugely beneficial for everyone involved, but particularly for the students, who feel they have made a real contribution towards preserving the heritage of the North East.”
The completed trailer has been returned to Beamish and re-entered service on the museum’s working farm. Jack Wade, another student, said: “I really enjoyed working with other people and feel very proud that my work will be seen by the many visitors to Beamish.” Looking ahead, Dave said: “New College Durham believes education plays a huge role in the preservation of cultural heritage. Whether that is developing the practical skills and knowledge to conserve and refurbish, or on a wider scale of developing the understanding as to why we should look after our heritage while looking forward to our future. With this in mind we are already looking forward to returning to the museum in September to begin surveying future restoration projects.”
