Knowledge of the Derwent Valley’s significance in industrial and social history had been lost to all but a few academics and local historians. Then Groundwork NE & Cumbria pulled together The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership and secured Heritage Lottery funding (2016-2020) to celebrate and conserve local heritage and culture to “spread the word” to a wider audience.
The Land of Oak & Iron Trust was established in 2021 by a group of volunteers to celebrate and help conserve the heritage, culture and landscape of the area, building on the work begun by the former Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership. Our work covers a wide range of activities such as researching and bringing history to life via books and digital means, helping to manage and plant more woodlands, or working with schools to engage young people in local music and culture We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England & Wales (Charity registration number 1188152).
In 2022, the Trust and Groundwork NE & Cumbria signed a formal partnership agreement to develop this work further.
This website provides access to a wealth of information that the Trust has gathered for all to use and explore.
The LOI Trust has an ongoing programme of research into heritage themes, including:
The shaded area represents the original Land of Oak & Iron footprint. Our research area stretches beyond this to follow some of the heritage stories.
Lots To See & Do!
Latest News
Matthew Ellwood Exhibition at the Inside Out Gallery
Ben Holland Exhibition at the Inside Out Gallery
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – Our Results!
