The Conservation Hut

Summary

The Conservation Hut in the Blue Mountains, originally built in 1963 and rebuilt in 1993, serves as a meeting place, restaurant, and starting point for walks into the valley, holding fond memories for the author, David Rudder, who was part of its reconstruction.

Abstract

The Conservation Hut, located in the Blue Mountains, stands as a testament to the preservation efforts of the Conservation Society, which first established it in 1963. The author, a carpenter, was involved in its reconstruction in the early 1990s, a project commissioned by the National Parks and designed to blend with the natural surroundings. The team used local materials, including clay and soil, to create thousands of mud bricks on-site, ensuring the hut's integration with the environment. The new hut, opened in 1993, not only retains the original ironstone chimney but also provides a space for visitors to enjoy meals, embark on walks, or simply converse, making it a cherished location for the author in his four-decade career in building and carpentry.

Opinions

The author feels a deep sense of satisfaction and personal connection to the Conservation Hut, having been part of its reconstruction.
The Conservation Hut is described as a place that holds special memories for the author, emphasizing its significance in his career.
The use of local materials in the reconstruction is seen as an integral part of the hut's identity and its harmony with the surrounding landscape.
The hut is portrayed as a successful blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness, serving the community and visitors alike.
The author expresses pride in the craftsmanship involved in the hut's construction, highlighting the work of the artisans and the unique design that emerged from their efforts.

A miracle did hatch

The new Conservation Hut today. Photo by the author

Up high in the Blue Mountains Perched on a precipice Looking o’er the valley The views envelop us.

The views. Photo by author

Trades are made to travel Here there and everywhere And being a carpenter With saw, hammer and square.

I ended up in Wentworth Falls Deep down in my gut A feeling of satisfaction At the old Conservation Hut.

First built by the Conservation Society Back in nineteen sixty-three Being the movements meeting place And was always meant to be.

And here in the early nineties I was employed to build A brand-new Conservation Hut By members of the guild.

Our clients were the National Parks The keepers of this land Above the Valley of the Waters And what we built they planned.

We saved the ironstone chimney And started there from scratch In the icy wintertime A miracle did hatch.

We used the local clay and soil To make up a mix And to manufacture on site Thousands of mud bricks.

With a team of artisans We built this new design Opened up in nineteen ninety-three I feel part of it is mine.

People come from near and far For meals and a walk Into the magic valley Or just to sit and talk.

In all my years of building That span near forty years The Conservation Hut In fond memory appears.

David Rudder

5th February 2021

Thanks for reading about one of the best memories I have amongst varied occupations as a builder, carpenter and cabinet maker.