This is a big year for the Land of Oak & Iron as we mark our fourth anniversary, with the project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and hosted by Groundwork North East & Cumbria coming to an end. We want to celebrate all that we have accomplished while looking to an exciting future for the Land of Oak & Iron. Whilst for the time being we can't get together in person, we have been able to produce this Land of Oak & Iron short film that brings to life just how special this partnership is.
Together we have achieved:
A significant impact on our natural, cultural and industrial heritage. Our environment has been improved through planting new woodland and creating a wetland. Fish can swim further up the River Derwent thanks to a new fish pass. Woodland owners have been helped to access funding to better manage our ecologically rich ancient, and more recently planted, woodlands.
Communities have benefitted by having improved footpaths, opening up over 5,000m of historical routes, so people can better explore the area on foot or by bike. The story of our internationally significant heritage is being told through three Heritage Centres, beautiful interpretation around the area, and specially commissioned music and drama performances.
Children and young people in the area now have a better understanding of their heritage through our work in over 30 schools, and we have helped 320 young people gain a recognised qualification by learning traditional skills. Over 4,000 people have attended our events, experiencing all that the Land of Oak & Iron has to offer.
But we’re not done breathing life into the history and heritage of the area just yet. The Land of Oak & Iron Trust has a solid platform on which to build the brand, thanks to the brilliant impact we have created through working with you – our stakeholders and partners – and we’re very grateful for your support.
Best wishes
Karen Daglish, Partnership Manager, Land of Oak & Iron
