The 13th century carvings in the Chapter House are simply stunning – the realistic depictions of the natural world never fail to delight visitors, young and old. They need a bit of TLC every now and then to ensure they remain in good condition for the future. In the first major structural works since the 1880s, the Leaves of Southwell project is installing underfloor heating to help conserve them and, of course, make visitors more comfortable in what was hitherto the chilliest area in the Minster, even in summer! Currently 18 tonnes of traditional limecrete is drying on top of the pipes, which will allow the stone floor to ‘breathe’. This has been mixed, barrowed in and levelled by hand in the traditional manner. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.