A project to restore some of the undiscovered features of one of the North East’s most historic landscape is progressing with support from the National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The Land of Oak and Iron Landscape Partnership is now in its development phase leading up to a stage 2 submission in 2015. HLF have earmarked a £2.2m grant towards the £3.4m 4 year delivery programme aimed to commence in 2016.
The project area includes most of the Derwent Valley. The area has a fascinating heritage that stretches back to the Roman era and was since home to lead and coal mining, coke production and world leading iron, steel and sword making. The multi-agency Partnership led by Groundwork NE aims to restore some surviving traces of that industrial heritage as well as protecting much of the area’s woodland, wetland and river based natural heritage; all of which will be brought to life by harnessing the areas’ rich cultural heritage.
The Landscape Partnership will also improve access, help promote the area to visitors and engage local communities in activities to discover, learn about and celebrate the area. The partnership is currently undertaking a number of feasibility studies and community consultation events exploring and developing project ideas that will harness and promote the unique heritage for generations to come.
The nearest consultation event is in Consett on 8 July.
Shotley Bridge Village Trust 