DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I've recently bought a flat with some old beams on the ceiling. The lady upstairs has told me they are real wood underneath but have been covered with some sort of fire retardant plaster. I've drilled through to the real wood underneath to check this.

I was hoping for some tips on stripping away the plaster to reveal the real wood underneath. Would this be a job i could do myself or would it require a more expert hand? (Image Below)

Thanks in advance!

Rik