Up High with Heritage Stone Access: A Candid Conversation with Richard Martin

Q&A with Richard Martin – Heritage Stone Access

We caught up with Richard Martin—stone conservator, rope access expert, and founder of Heritage Stone Access—on top of Worcester Cathedral, where the wind and view were equally breathtaking. From navigating wildlife at height to guiding fire brigades from 70 metres in the air, Richard’s work combines precision, bravery, and a genuine passion for protecting historic buildings.

In this Q&A, Richard shares a glimpse into the unusual world of height safety in the heritage sector.

What are the main challenges nowadays working in Height Safety?

“One of the biggest challenges today is working around wildlife, especially on heritage sites where birds, bats, and other species often live in the structures we’re maintaining. Another ongoing challenge is clearly communicating what we find during inspections to clients—particularly when we’re reporting complex or hard-to-access damage. Making sure the message is clear and actionable is just as important as the work itself.”

What is your preferred hardware for inspections?


“My go-to kit is Petzl. It’s the equipment I trained on, and it’s widely used across the world. That familiarity makes it easier to work safely and efficiently—especially when it comes to rescue situations. Knowing how each piece of equipment functions, and keeping up with product updates and safety guidance, is essential to doing the job right.”

What’s the strangest thing you have come across whilst working?

“Definitely the time I helped prevent a major fire in York while hanging from the Main Tower of York Minster. I spotted smoke coming from a tiled roof in the Shambles, a historic part of the city. I immediately called the fire brigade, but the narrow streets meant they couldn’t see the fire from ground level. From 70 metres up, I was able to guide the fire chief directly to the location using my mobile phone. Within minutes, sirens filled the city and fire engines rushed to the scene. It was a surreal experience—being suspended in mid-air while helping to prevent what could have been a devastating fire.”

What’s the tallest building you have worked on?

“They all feel tall in their own way. Exposure changes your perspective—once you’re up on the ropes, even relatively low structures can feel very exposed. So, while I’ve worked on some of the tallest buildings in the country, it’s really the sense of space and vulnerability that stays with you.”

What innovations would you like to see in the future for Height Safety?

“For me, simplicity is key. I’d like to see better communication tools that are more seamlessly integrated into the work environment, along with improvements in clothing—especially for harsh or changing weather conditions. The fewer complications there are, the safer and more effective the work becomes.”

Working with English Braids

Richard and his team at Heritage Stone Access carry out vital work at height with skill, precision, and a deep respect for historic buildings. At English Braids, we’re proud to support professionals like Richard with high-performance EN1891 Type A ropes designed specifically for demanding height safety environments.

Whether you’re working on ancient cathedrals, modern towers, or anything in between, our ropes are built to meet the challenge.

If you’re looking for rope solutions for your own height safety needs, get in touch with our team.

Photo credits: Duncan Lomax, Heritage Stone Access Ltd and Heritage Stone Access Ltd