THE distinctive oak wattle panels at Croft Barn, White Castle Vineyard near Llanvetherine have been reinstated thanks to the Village Alive Trust’s latest grant-aided restoration project, Wine and Heritage Alive in Monmouthshire (WHAM!).

Only one complete panel remained in situ at the Grade II listed barn when the Trust, in partnership with vineyard owners, Robb and Nicola Merchant, successfully bid for Cadw and Heritage Lottery Funding to conserve the barn which was on the listed buildings ‘at risk register’.

The undaubed oak lathed panels made up the original infilling of the box frame walls of the barn which was built in the late 16th century as a thatched, cruck-trussed building for corn storage and threshing.

Crickhowell Joinery owner, Gareth Davies, undertook the work of making and installing the new oak lathe wattle panels with builder Nigel Sobik. The work was overseen by conservation architect Stefan Horowskyj and approved by Monmouthshire County Council.

Members of the public will be able to attend a midsummer open day on June 20 from 2-5pm and other activities will follow. Further details will be available on the website wineandheritage.org.uk