Community and environmental charity Groundwork NE & Cumbria has received £248,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop its history and heritage work at the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage centre in Winlaton Mill in the Derwent Valley and other visitor centres across the North East.
The money will be used to encourage greater public involvement with the centre and develop its programme of free events and activities.
A new community engagement officer has been appointed to host events and educational sessions, recruit and welcome more volunteers and revamp and extend the heritage and information panels at the heritage centre and at two linked locations across the region.
When the heritage centre was built in 2018, displays about the region’s industrial past and its links along the Derwent Valley were also installed at visitor centres in Prudhoe and in Consett. Thanks to funding from the Heritage Fund, the materials at these two centres will be revamped, and a new interactive storytelling room will be created at the Land of Oak & Iron. These will tell the story of the North East’s rich industrial, social and ecological history and heritage for a new generation of visitors. Work is expected to start in the autumn.
The Land of Oak & Iron Trust is keen to recruit new volunteers to support activities within the Heritage centre and across the region. With a team of new volunteers, the aim is to relaunch a programme of public engagement, educational events and sessions on history, industrial heritage and local ecology work. This activity will work alongside the expansion of other activities, including producing more publications on local history and heritage and reintroducing guided historic walks around the Derwent Valley. A series of eight historical, heritage and landscape publications has already been produced for sale by a team of volunteers. All are available for sale at the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage centre.
Other practical environmental volunteering opportunities will also be available, including woodland and river restoration with the outdoor volunteer group at the Land of Oak & Iron Trust.
Jack Burton, Groundwork NE & Cumbria’s new engagement officer, is organising a series of free public events starting this summer. He will also be launching a recruitment campaign for local volunteers for the Land of Oak & Iron Trust.
Commenting on the grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bob James, Chairman of the Land of Oak & Iron Trust said: “We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this generous award.
“The Land of Oak & Iron Trust is delighted to be a lead partner in this exciting project to celebrate and share the remarkable heritage of the Derwent Valley and beyond. There is a rich and distinctive story to be told, shaped by its dramatic landscape, its nationally important industrial heritage and the generations of people who have lived and worked here.
“By celebrating the story we can strengthen community pride, encourage more people to explore the area, and inspire future generations to value and care for this unique heritage.”
Sarah Barton, Programme Coordinator, Groundwork NE & Cumbria said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome this National Lottery Funding, which represents a fantastic investment in both the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage centre and the wider community. The funding will enable us to deliver a broad, inclusive and meaningful programme of events and activities while encouraging greater public participation and involvement with the Land of Oak & Iron Trust.
“We are excited to welcome Jack to the team; his passion, expertise and fresh ideas will help bring this project to life and provide a wonderful opportunity for local people to get involved. Together we can celebrate and record the region’s rich history and heritage for current and future generations. We urge everyone to visit the centre and the wider area and play their part in helping to keep our history and heritage alive.”
Anyone interested in finding out more, or volunteering at the Land of Oak & Iron should contact Ja*********@************rg.uk and follow @landofoakandiron on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
The first free events to be hosted at the Heritage Cente as part of this new programme are:
Coal Mining’s Musical Memories and Traditions
Monday 10th August, 1:30pm – 3pm
An engaging and informative workshop hosted by North East Folk singer Bill Elliot. Bill will share his experience of growing up in a mining family, weaving in folk songs and stories that have helped keep centuries-old culture and traditions alive.
The event offers the chance to sing together, explore shared heritage, and find out how to get involved with the Land of Oak & Iron’s activities, events, and volunteering programme.
No prior musical experience is needed, just intrigue and enthusiasm!
Places are limited and prioritised for adults. Young people are welcome to attend if accompanied by a responsible adult. To book email la**************@************rg.uk
Free, family-friendly drop-in Kite Making workshop.
Wednesday 12th August
10am – 12pm – no booking required
Make a simple kite, inspired by the Red Kites that live in the Derwent Valley. Visitors are invited to drop in and take part anytime between 10am – 12pm. Activity duration approximately 30 minutes.
After making the kites, visitors are invited to meet at 1pm on Kite Hill near the Land of Oak & Iron for a mass kite flying event. People are encouraged to look out for the magnificent Red Kites that soar across the Derwent Valley.
The session is a free, drop-in outdoor activity. No booking required. Other events are planned for September’s Heritage Open Days.
