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Caring for the cathedral

It takes a lot of time, resource and specialist skills to care for the buildings and grounds of the cathedral. Find out about our recent conservation projects and learn more about the teams that look after the whole of the Durham Cathedral site.

Caring for a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is over 1,000 years old takes a team of people and lots of resource.

As a charitable organisation without regular government funding, we rely on the generous donation of visitors, donors and charitable trusts to support the day-to-day running of the cathedral and to carry out vital conservation work.

If you'd like to support the future of the cathedral, you can donate in several ways: at the visitor desk when you arrive, online through Stewardship, or at the cash donation boxes located around the cathedral. All donations are gratefully received.

Our conservation work

Restoring the Monks' Garden Wall

The Cathedral’s Works Department are currently undertaking a major restoration project on the boundary wall of the Monks' Garden.

Repairing the Organ

Durham Cathedral's main pipe organ has been maintained by the same Durham-based organ conservation firm since 1905. In October and November 2022, repairs were carried out to ensure the organ remains fully operational.
Builder adding swift box to tower window

Caring for Swifts

Find out more about the swift boxes we've created to help stop the decline of swifts in the UK

The Cut Flower Garden

The cathedral’s flower garden is where we grow all the flowers used by our arrangers for display within the cathedral.

Central Tower Restoration

Vital repair and conservation work was completed on the cathedral's central tower and belfry in 2019. This work ensured that the tower will be open for visitors to enjoy stunning views of Durham and the surrounding country for many years to come.
Process of conservation of the north door.

Conserving the North Door

In 2022 the North Door of the cathedral needed some cleaning and repair. Find out what work was done and why.

Caring for bats in The Cloister

Did you know that the Cloisters is home to the second largest colony of Common Pipistrelle bats in the UK? Working in partnership with Durham Bat Group, our staff are trained to care for these nocturnal residents.

Find out more

Recent conservation stories

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Final stone is laid, in the restoration of the Durham Cathedral's Monks' Garden Wall

A two year restoration project is nearing completion as the final stone has been placed in the Monks’ Garden Wall at Durham Cathedral.

Save our Species project goes on display in the Cloister

School pupils artwork highlighting endangered species goes on display at Durham Cathedral

Chamber’s Prestigious Annual Dinner Raises Over £50,000 for Durham Cathedral

The region’s largest business dinner of the year, the Chamber Annual Dinner, took place at Durham Cathedral on the evening of Thursday 9 March and helped raise £50,172 for the UNESCO World Heritage Site's Raising a Voice appeal

The hidden beauty of the Last Supper table

The Last Supper table may appear to be simple and roughly made, but this ordinary looking object hides a beautiful and intricate interior.

Find out how you can help

There is no entry fee to visit the cathedral. If you can, please donate £5 when you visit to help support the cathedral's future.

All donations are gratefully received.

Support the cathedral