Eden Lime Mortar, who sell lime mortars and hydraulic lime, are running one-day courses to help people understand lime mortars and renders. The courses were started this year to help to overcome some of the pitfalls of using lime. They have proved so popular they are running at two a month.

Courses are limited to six students at a time and those students have covered the whole range of those likely to want to have a better understanding of lime - from architects to builders and DIY enthusiasts to Natural England officials.

Students have to provide their own personal protection equipment (goggles, overalls, boots) but all the tools necessary are supplied.

The courses are run in Cumbria by Mike Armstrong, a Master Builder who has specialised in using lime products for the past 42 years.

Each course starts by explaining the benefits of different types of lime (putty and hydraulic) then moves to a very much hands-on practical session where students build, point, torch, dash, plaster and render with lime. At the end, each student receives a certificate.

The cost of the training days is £100 per student plus £10 administration charges. Contact Tim Wells of Eden Lime Mortar.