Limestone Journeys. A Landscape Partnership on the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone Sharing Our Story

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1 A Landscape Partnership on the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone Sharing Our Story

2 Welcome to our Story about Limestone Journeys how we explored, investigated and thoroughly enjoyed finding out about our Limestone Landscape. The underlying geology, of Permian Magnesian Limestone, helps create today s landscape. Our partnership also explored the events, historical and recent, that have shaped our communities. Limestone Journeys Landscape Partnership was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) under a national programme to conserve areas of distinctive landscape character across the UK. HLF uses money raised by National Lottery players to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about. Limestone Journeys worked with local people to look after, learn about and celebrate the distinctive landscape and heritage of the local area. Please also visit our website (limestonejourneys.com) to find out more and watch our very own film about the Scheme. With our resource page you can settle down somewhere comfy and immerse yourself in stories of the rich local history, inspiring archaeology, wonderful wildlife and unique geology. Have some fun watching documentary films, listening to specially commissioned music or flicking through fabulous photographs. Our partners and local community groups will keep you updated on life after Limestone Journeys in the monthly blog. You can find our full Evaluation Report on the Limestone Journeys Landscape Partnership on the website. Beki Howey, Limestone Journeys Scheme Manager Limestone Journeys has provided an amazing multi-facetted extension of the wider Creswell Initiative and builds squarely on decades of effort to raise the profile, protection and understanding of the Magnesian Limestone heritage area. Its success is a tribute to the faith of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the experience and energy of the team based at Creswell Crags and the skilfully woven network of community partners and individual volunteers. It sets a high benchmark for succeeding projects a lasting legacy of interpretation, preservation and social activity. Roger Shelley, Director, Creswell Heritage Trust In my wildest dreams I never imagined that I could have so many opportunities and experience so much. Learning archaeological skills and being involved in digs, wildlife species identification classes and fieldtrips and above all hedgelaying, the legacy of which will be seen at Pleasley Pit Country Park for many years. And learning flint knapping Mick Gamble, Community Representative and volunteer.

3 Limestone Journeys aimed to conserve, enhance and restore the distinctive features and heritage of the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone. The Partnership was led by Creswell Heritage Trust and made up of Bolsover Countryside Partnership, Bolsover District Council, Bolsover Community and Voluntary Partners, Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield and Mansfield, Junction Arts, the National Trust and Natural England. The Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone is noted for its rich combination of habitats, archaeology, species and geological features. The underlying geology, of Permian Magnesian Limestone, helps to create the landscape seen today. Rich grasslands, farmland and woodlands are crossed by small streams and rivers, which have carved gorges and vales, such as Creswell Crags and Pleasley Vale. The natural landscape is defined by a series of rounded hills cut by sharply defined gorges with caves and crags. Farmlands form a high plateau with long open views. Soils are fertile and support crops. Strong agricultural traditions are linked by local buildings in the Magnesian Limestone to leave a rural landscape character. Limestone is seen in traditional farm buildings, houses and landmarks. The crags and gorges have yielded evidence of the international importance of the area in their concentration of Ice Age sites. The gorges provided excellent hunting grounds for Neanderthals and modern humans, making hunting expeditions across the area. These hunters left behind the only examples of internationally significant prehistoric Ice Age art engraved into the walls and ceilings of caves at Creswell Crags. Limestone Journeys was awarded 1.9million by HLF in HLF s grant was awarded with the requirement to bring another 0.4million from other funding sources and 0.6million worth of in-kind contributions from partners and volunteers. The Scheme would deliver a total value of 2.9million. The Scheme was successful in meeting these targets, and in fact achieved an additional 500,000 of contributions. The eventual total value of the Scheme was 3.2million pounds to benefit the natural and heritage resources of the area. 1 P a g e

4 A Changing Limestone Landscape Over recent years, disused railway lines and old colliery sites have been transformed into trails and country parks, with the planting of millions of trees and the creation of ponds and grasslands. Shirebrook Wood, Poulter and Pleasley Pit Country Parks are now havens for wildlife. Limestone Journeys Landscape Partnership set out to uncover the depth and interest of this changing landscape examining the rich seam of social history that provides a mesh of intangible stories and history over an incredibly long period. The recent decline in the coal industry resulted in a sense of dislocation of communities from the landscape and a loss of identity. The Landscape Partnership area was chosen to re-awaken an identity and awareness of this unique and special place. The Scheme was aspirational in bringing the area around Bolsover to the national stage to sit with landscapes of well-known scenery and character. Combined with the decline of traditional industries and deprivation, the challenge was to create experiences for individuals that improved their lives and changed their view of this very important historic and natural landscape. Limestone Journeys helped to improve the landscape, working with landowners and community groups on a range of projects. 2 P a g e

5 Landscape Partnership Schemes HLF-funded projects make a major contribution to work in the UK on implementing the European Landscape Convention. The European Landscape Convention is an international convention that focuses on landscape and which came into force in the United Kingdom in March It defines landscape as: Limestone Journeys An area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. (Council of Europe 2000) Limestone Journeys received development funding under HLF s third Strategic Plan from 2008 to Landscape Partnerships were required to deliver evenly across four programme objectives in a Landscape Conservation Action Plan: To conserve or restore the built and natural features that creates the historic character of the landscape area. To increase community participation in local heritage. To increase access to and learning about the landscape area and its heritage. To increase training opportunities in local heritage skills. The Scheme Area The Landscape Partnership covers the southern end of the Southern Magnesian Limestone area, over an area of 131 square kilometres. The Magnesian Limestone runs in a narrow belt, never more than five miles wide, from Nottingham to Tynemouth in the north east of England. The landform, ecology, land uses and traditional industries of the area are a result of the underlying geology. 3 P a g e

6 The Landscape Conservation Action Plan developed for the Scheme presented four programmes to meet the HLF objectives. Conserving and Restoring Landscape Journeys HLF: To conserve or restore the built and natural features that creates the historic character of the landscape area To conserve the natural and heritage features of the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone landscape for future generations and to act as drivers for tourism and regeneration We would: Conserve and enhance key species, habitats and heritage features Personal Journeys: Engaging Communities HLF: To increase community participation in local heritage Enhance engagement between the local community and their natural and cultural surroundings We would: Involve, educate and attract the local community with activities celebrating their landscape and heritage Gateways to Landscape Journeys HLF: To increase access to and learning about the landscape area and its heritage Enable people of all abilities to access the natural landscape and the cultural heritage of their area We would: Create and improve facilities and access routes between the local community, visitors and heritage sites Journeys of Discovery HLF: To increase training opportunities in local heritage skills Empower people to have a positive influence on the landscape by developing new skills which will facilitate positive activity post Scheme We would: Provide training opportunities, courses and placements in relevant traditional and conservation skills 4 P a g e

7 Principle Achievements across HLF Programme Objectives Limestone Journeys Conserving and Restoring Landscape Journeys 7.4 ha of grassland enhanced 2.5km of traditional lime mortared and drystone walling restored 40km of hedgerow wildlife corridors re-connected Over 500 trees planted in hedgerows and community areas Management works at 12 local sites Creation of a sand martin breeding site Creation of a digital oral history record Grants worth 220,000 for conservation of natural and built conservation Personal Journeys: Engaging Communities 77 walks and talks through the area Installation of five permanent art installations Creation of three films exploring little known local stories Seven festivals 11,000 participants at events Grants worth 135,000 for community projects and interpretation Target Achieved Conservation grants 220, ,000 Provision of food/nesting sites for farmland birds hectares Enhanced management of local sites Woodland plantation management trials 0.5 hectares 3.0 hectares Grassland enhanced with wildflower seed 4 hectares 7.4 hectares Trees planted Volunteers trained in heritage/habitat surveying Botanical and invertebrate survey visits Digital catalogue from oral history records 1 1 Volunteers trained in oral history projects Community Grants awarded 135, ,000 Walks and talks Mapping of parish features - 0 People involved in participatory events ,000 Installation of landscape art commissions - 6 A major annual heritage celebration event 5 7 Did not reach target Met target Exceeded target Greatly Exceeded target 5 P a g e

8 Gateways to Landscape Journeys 5km of improved footpaths and bridleways 7km of new multiuser greenways Multiuser bridge on the A632 Three community access groups Over 3,500 attendees at events to encourage cycling and exploring outdoors Journeys of Discovery Nearly 3,000 attendees at training Over 1,000 attendees at informal training Seven large-scale sculptures Working with 24 primary schools, three secondary schools, one Special Education School and one college Advice on governance and fund raising given to nearly 100 groups. 11 sites monitored weekly for butterfly sightings Five new community access groups established 5 3 New greenway developed Existing paths and bridleways upgraded Access and Interpretation at Creswell Station 1 1 New hubs 9 6 Multiuser bridge created 1 1 Training opportunities/ activities for young people 500 3,500 Under-represented group members engaged Members of other target groups engaged Radio links Informal environmental training for young people Hedgerows restored and planted 24km 40km Trees planted Unemployed people engaged in learning Large-scale sculptures 5 7 People involved in formal training 500 2,800 People involved in informal training Arts and conservation-based learning 1,000 1,700 Working with schools Wildlife Guardians or Wildlife Spotters trained Network of butterfly surveillance sites 1 1 People trained in butterfly identification/ecology People trained in general plant identification Training guide on plant identification 1 1 Community groups trained P a g e

9 Conserving and Restoring Landscape Journeys The programme aimed to enhance and manage what people see in the landscape, the heritage features, biodiversity and habitats of the area. Most notably this was the Magnesian Limestone grasslands, lowland meadows, lowland fens and mixed deciduous woodlands. Aims and Outcomes Conserve the natural and heritage features of the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone with projects that will conserve and enhance key species, habitats and heritage features. Limestone Journeys Key partners to deliver these projects were Creswell Heritage Trust, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Scheme Office. Invaluable advice was provided by Bolsover Countryside Partnership, Derbyshire County Council and community representatives in applying criteria to grant applications so that they fitted strategic priorities. Achieved with: Grants scheme and advice for land-holders to conserve features that typify the Magnesian Limestone landscape Conservation of built landscape features eg lime mortared stone walls Conserving habitats, species and built heritage with Community grants Natural, archaeological and geological conservation work Oral history projects 7 P a g e

10 Landowners helped to look after the landscape Sites with improved management for limestone grassland species Discovering and recording local buildings with traditional building features Recording oral histories Conserving and Restoring Landscape Journeys set out to change the appearance of the area to preserve the buildings, boundaries and habitats that are special to the Magnesian Limestone 8 P a g e

11 The Scheme Office co-ordinated landscape projects to build understanding of the connections across the area. Hedgerows are a key characteristic of the Southern Magnesian Limestone Area. The hedgerow conservation combined new planting, gapping up hedges and hedge laying to connect approximately forty kilometres of hedgerows. This has been a resounding success in making a significant contribution to the enhancement of the landscape character of the Scheme area. Drystone walls with lime mortar are a localised but unique boundary feature in the Southern Magnesian Limestone landscape. The very dispersed but localised nature of these walls is represented by their distribution across the project area. Conserving and Restoring Landscape Journeys Work Achieved P a g e

12 Conserving and Restoring Landscape Journeys Achievements LCAP Target: Conservation grants worth 220,000 will be awarded to enhance and conserve the landscape ( 220,000 awarded) Increasing farmland bird populations through provision and enhancement of food and nesting sites (2.33hectares) Conservation, heritage and interpretation grants of 220,000 were given to18 community organisations. Surveys made of farmland bird populations to establish key species for increased knowledge for management. LCAP Target: Enhanced improvement and management of 12 local sites (12) The local sites enhanced with improved management for key habitats and wildlife included: Hollinhill Grips Pylon Field meadow restoration; Rowthorne Trail clearing grassland areas; Clowne disused railway line and Clowne Linear Park restoring sites for brown argus butterfly; Scarcliffe Park meadow restoration; Smithfield Nook meadow restoration; Creswell Crags hedge laying next to a wildflower rich field margin and micro pond for wildlife; Markland Plantation to remove self seeded young trees and manage ash woodlands; Wollen Meadow grassland restoration; Bolsover Back Hills management; Doe Lea Plantation under planting with wildflowers; Pleasley Pit Country Park orchid meadow. LCAP Targets: 0.5ha of woodland plantation trialled at Pleasley Pit and Poulter Country Park (3.0 hectares) 4 ha of grassland enhanced with wildflower seed (7.4 hectares) Over 300 trees planted (348) Poulter Country Park and Whistling Meadows at Holmewood over sown with wildflower seed to create local seed banks. New wildflower meadow created at Elmton. Trees were removed from woods at Poulter Country Park to improve growing conditions for maturing larger trees. Hedgerows and trees planted to restore the visual landscape. Lime mortared walls in villages repaired. Sand martin wall built at Pleasley Pit Country Park with nesting pairs of birds since Volunteer surveys of local buildings, wildflower and butterfly recordings, all carried forward into regional and national datasets. LCAP Targets: 50 volunteers trained in heritage and habitat surveying (76) 10 botanical and invertebrate survey visits (136) LCAP Targets: Creation of a digital catalogue from existing oral history records held at local heritage groups at Whitwell, Whaley Thorns/Langwith, Elmton and Creswell and Bolsover (12 recordings transcribed and digitised) 10 volunteers trained in delivering oral history projects (26) Archive of oral history recordings made, securing audio tapes to digital formats and exhibition held at Creswell Crags of Mining Memories. 10 P a g e

13 Personal Journeys: Engaging Communities This programme set out to involve local communities with their natural and cultural surroundings. This focused on creative ways for people to understand the Magnesian Limestone area and increase their sense of ownership. It was important to provide ways for people to come together to celebrate where they live. Limestone Journeys Aims and Outcomes Enhance engagement between the local community and their natural and cultural surroundings by involving, educating and attracting the local community with activities celebrating their landscape and heritage. The key partners in this programme were Junction Arts, the Scheme Office and all partners involved each year in the annual celebration event. Invaluable advice was provided by Bolsover Countryside Partnership, Derbyshire County Council and community representatives in applying criteria to grant applications so that they fitted strategic priorities. Achieved with: Community grants to develop a sense of place and identity, including management and advice and the development of literature. Interpretation and information grants including grants for interpretation improvements on the Archaeological Way Heritage Interpretation programme Heritage events programme Bolsover Countryside Partnership developed a role not included in the Landscape Conservation Action Plan for support and development of artistic projects along the Archaeological Way. This support included obtaining permissions, contributing to selection of artists and supporting the development of a coherent scheme for interpretation products. 11 P a g e

14 Annual heritage festivals to celebrate the landscape and traditions Poulter Country Park Sculpture Recording voices and sounds of the landscape Filming memories Personal Journeys: Engaging Communities involved connecting people in many ways to the stories of the area 12 P a g e

15 WALK THROUGH TIME CHORUS Take a walk through time, Under clear open skies, From the shells of the seas, To the land that now lies From the black of the mine, Bringing coal for our fires, To the white of the stone, In our churches and spires. VERSE 1 They called it white water, Flowing crystal clear, Carving out our gorges, Deeper year by year, From the Ice Age to the Romans, Right up to present day, We used the land around us, In many different ways VERSE 2 We follow ancient footsteps On paths that still remain Coal once shifted landscapes Now limestone does the same Where once we hunted wildlife There now we farm the land People live and die here And our community still stands Composed in 2012 by Whitwell Community Choir and Mills and Chimneys as part of The Listening, a project by Junction Arts for Limestone Journeys 13 P a g e

16 After School Past Present and Future Well Dressing Weekend Elmton and Creswell Village Company Mural Glapwell Carnival Preserving Whitwell Local History Farmland Bird Surveys Bolsover Gala Rhubarb Farm Rhubarb Rainfall Rhubarb Farm Pond creation Local History Day Resourcing the Future Snipe Bog Nature Reserve Carr Vale Nature Reserve Conservation and Construction Swimming Reindeer exhibition Renishaw Hall Whitwell Wood Interpretation Elmton Environmental History Project Whitwell Wood Bird recording Langwith and Whaley Thorns Heritage Association New Beginnings leaflet Palterton Keeping the Community Together Landmarks Wildflower Meadow Heritage Walks leaflet Bolsover Town pump restoration Rhubarb Farm Langwith Show Whitwell Festival Langwith Munitions Factory Surviving Staveley Trees for Bolsover Managing Pleasley Pit Nature Reserve Hodthorpe Gala Day Pleasley Community Firewood Hodthorpe Primary School Outdoor Learning Base Shirebrook Branching Out Community garden Elmton Local History Community Grants spread across the Scheme area 14 P a g e

17 Clowne in Bloom The Arc Community garden New Bolsover Model Village Film Pleasley Vale Green Shelter Garden Palterton Primary School Growing School Food Pleasley Mural Sporting Futures Youth leaders Bolsover Back Hills Restoration Mayflower Court Festival of Time Whitwell Community Choir Temple Normanton Woodland management Doe Lee Bulb planting Stainsby Festival Earthworks walks Ault Hucknall Saving the Carving Stories in Stone Clowne Gala Bolsover Parish Rooms Centenary Montage Elmton Restoring the Carriage House Rhododendron Clearance at Pleasley Vale Whitwell Local History Talks Community Well Dressing Bolsover Parish Church information Friends of Clowne Community Conservation Bramley Vale Primary School Forest School Whitwell Primary School Forest School Meden Trail Walling Discovering Limestone Heritage Less than ,000 to 5,000 5,000 to 10,000 Over 10,000 Text size indicates grant amount Conservation Places & People Interpretation Colour of text indicates purpose of grant 15 P a g e

18 Personal Journeys: Engaging Communities Achievements LCAP Target: Grants worth 135,000 will be awarded to the local community to improve and interpret their heritage ( 135,000) Conservation, heritage and interpretation grants of 135,000 given to 35 community organisations LCAP Targets: 60 walks and talks at key locations throughout the landscape, led by partner organisations and specialists (77) Condition and characteristics of key cultural and natural heritage features mapped within parishes (0) 77 walks and talks through the area led by specialists and trained volunteers LCAP Targets: 450 people involved in participatory events to celebrate the landscape (10,893) Installation of landscape art commissions that celebrate the vision of Limestone Journeys (6 installations) Five annual heritage celebration events (7) 11,000 people attended events to celebrate the cultural and natural landscape. Seven festivals held across the Limestone Journeys area at Hardwick Hall, Creswell Crags, Bolsover and Pleasley Vale Outdoor Activities Centre. Workshops and activities to celebrate traditional crafts and opportunities to try canoeing, climbing and cycling Installation of six permanent art installations: Triple Echo, Hardwick Hall Mural at Pleasley Industrial Fossil at Poulter Country Park Langwith Bridge panel artwork Carved chair at The Arc, Clowne Top of the World at Poulter Country Park Creation of three films exploring little known aspects of local heritage: Underground Music Settlers in England A Model Community 16 P a g e

19 Gateways to Landscape Journeys One of the ideals at the heart of the Landscape Partnership was for people to access their landscape effortlessly and more effectively. The upgrading of the Archaeological Way was identified as the most effective way to do this. It was an aspiration, central to the East Derbyshire Greenways Strategy, that a multi-user greenway would connect communities the east of the Scheme area. Limestone Journeys in Aims and Outcomes The key partners in this programme were Bolsover Countryside Partnership (and Derbyshire County Council), Bolsover District Council and Junction Arts. Achieved with: Improved accessibility and promotion of the Archaeological Way and created new links with villages and heritage assets New bridge link to the multi-user paths in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and interpretation of the history of Pleasley Vale Development of a multi-user greenway network Events and activities to target under-represented groups 17 P a g e

20 Cycling activities for safe off-roading Improving access for all abilities Forest Schools Gateways to Landscape Journeys offered different ways to be able to get outdoors; from new footpaths to adventures 18 P a g e

21 The Archaeological Way is for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and pushchairs to safely explore and enjoy the outdoors. The first section runs for 6km between Shirebrook Wood and Poulter Country Park. The trail is dotted with interpretation and supported by an app to download and explore local stories. The Archaeological Way provides: Valuable community links between Shirebrook and villages to the north Improved links to the Robin Hood railway line for visitors from Nottingham and beyond; A new recreation route to make the countryside more accessible for local people and visitors to the area. The trail provided a focus for projects to interpret the landscape through community art projects, community stories building into digital interpretation and installation of waymarking. Bolsover Countryside Partnership secured significant funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Local Transport Plan. These provided in the region of 75% of the total cash match for external funding for Limestone Journeys. Interpretation panels for the Archaeological Way bridge at Langwith Multiuser bridge provided with funding from European Regional Development Fund and Local Transport Plan as part of the cash match to the Heritage Lottery Fund grant Interpretation panel and waymarking logo for the Archaeological Way 19 P a g e

22 The Archaeological Way was delivered through a strong partnership approach to developing the look and feel of the trail. Volunteers were recruited as Archaeological Way Access Volunteers and trained in Rights of Way legislation and practical maintenance tasks. This group audited the trail during development for signing and installed waymarkers. The groups will be supported to continue their work. Art Along the Way The partnership came together to help interpret the landscape through community arts projects, community interpretation with an audio trail app and installation of waymarking by volunteers. The redevelopment of the Archaeological Way has inspired a fantastic selection of new community arts projects. Many of these now form part of the new Archaeological Way Sculpture Trail at Poulter Country Park. The trail connects with the Archaeological Way at the re-developed car park, allowing visitors to explore the Country Park with a waymarked trail. 20 P a g e

23 2 Scimitar Flower Created to highlight the wildflower meadows at Poulter Country Park and a scimitar tooth such as those found locally. Artist Ewan Allinson installed Top of the World Invoking the Ice Age, when woolly rhinos and hyenas roamed the area, the piece is named after a local woman s memory of a favourite place of her grandfathers. Artist Ewan Allinson, installed Commemoration Remembers those lost in two tragic accidents in the First and Second World Wars. Installed Dragonfly Celebrating the area s archaeological and natural history, designed by pupils of Langwith Bassett Community Primary School and Whaley Thorns Primary Schools. Artist Phil Neal, installed Industrial Fossils Black ferns unfurl to show the coal that built Langwith Colliery. The base is surrounded by fossils of items brought by the community. Artist David Mayne, installed Flint Flower Echoes the shape of a flint tool found locally. Artist Ewan Allinson, installed Bridging the Gap Panels on the bridge symbolise the surrounding landscape and how people interact with it with a poem. Artists David Mayne and Liz Cashdean, installed P a g e

24 Gateways to Landscape Journeys Achievements LCAP Targets: 6.5km of new greenway developed (7km) 1.5km of existing paths and bridleways upgraded (5km) 9 new hubs linking communities to the Archaeological Way and landscape (6) Interpretation at Creswell Crags (replaces Creswell Station) (1) Multiuser bridge created (1) Five new community access groups established (3) 7km of new multiuser greenways created for walking and cycling, including 6km of the Archaeological Way 5km of improved footpaths and bridleways Links to the Archaeological Way and the landscape made at: Pleasley Pit Country Park, Pleasley Vale, Shirebrook, Creswell Crags, Hardwick Hall, Poulter Country Park Interactive area installed at Creswell Crags to encourage active learning of the animals found at Creswell Crags during the Ice Age Multiuser bridge carrying the Archaeological Way above the A632 at Langwith delivered by Bolsover Countryside Partnership and Derbyshire County Council with artwork interpretation by Junction Arts. Community Access Groups established: Bolsover and District Cycling Club, Scarcliffe and Shirebrook parishes Hardwick Hall LCAP Targets: 500 training opportunities and activities provided for young people (3,554) 105 under-represented group members and mental health service users from communities in Bolsover and Mansfield districts engaged in learning and activities (351) 360 members of other target groups engaged (289) Over 3,500 young people came to events to encourage cycling and exploring outdoors, such as bmx bikes, mountain biking, and trying climbing LCAP Target: Radio links with remote communities created by 120 school children (341) Over 300 school children took part in radio and web links with children in limestone landscapes on the northern Magnesian Limestone in County Durham 22 P a g e

25 Journeys of Discovery This programme focused on developing skills and training for many different members of the public. Archaeology was identified as a specific interest through community consultation, and was framed as a thread running through the scheme. Limestone Journeys Experience had shown low engagement in learning activities in the area and the format of training was designed with this in mind. Taster sessions and drop-in sessions at events would cover practical and artistic skills in a fun an exciting way. Unaccredited, but structured, courses in landscape management skills, heritage conservation and creative arts were provided. Accredited courses were introduced in later years as confidence grew. Schools would be encouraged to embed environmental and heritage training into the curriculum. Wider use of heritage sites in the area by schools would be encouraged. Aims and Outcomes The key partners in this programme were Derbyshire Adult and Community Education Service, Creswell Heritage Trust, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Scheme Office. This was achieved with: Heritage landscape skills training programme in practical conservation and heritage interpretation Improving the skills base of volunteers through mentoring for landscape projects Heritage education programmes for schools Community governance and fund raising; developing community educators 23 P a g e

26 Qualifications from City and Guilds accredited training courses Common Ground, a published anthology of words and images Upcycling textiles at community workshops LANTRA land management courses and volunteering Many Journeys of Discovery used creative techniques to explore local areas and express people s reaction to past events or places using new found skills 24 P a g e

27 Journeys of Discovery Achievements LCAP Targets: Over 200 young people engaged in informal environmental training (269) 100 unemployed members of the local community engaged in learning (462) 500 people involved in formal training (2,842) 150 people involved in informal training (809) Nearly 3000 attendees at training events with a formal structure, over 1000 attendees at informal training; including nearly 500 unemployed people and 269 young people LCAP Target: Five large-scale sculptures made from natural materials by local community members (7) Seven large-scale sculptures made from natural materials by local community members Willow weaving sculpture Dress made from Viyella memories 3-D model of Pleasley Vale Well dressing exhibitions Garden mosaic at Shirebrook Garden mosaic at Uplands Garden with Pleasley Vale Residents Association Mosaic in the garden at the Tapton Lock Visitors Centre, Chesterfield LCAP Targets: 1000 children involved in arts and conservation-based learning opportunities (1,702) Involvement in over 20 schools (40 schools unique to projects) Working with 24 primary schools, three secondary schools, one Area Special School and one college (involving nearly 2000 students). LCAP Targets: 50 Wildlife Guardians or Wildlife Spotters trained (64) Network of butterfly surveillance sites for the limestone area established (11 sites) 30 people trained in butterfly identification and ecology (64) 30 people trained in general plant identification through outdoor sessions led by experienced botanists (64) Training guide produced (1) Over 150 attendees on training activities in butterfly identification, plant identification and ecology with a network of 11 monitored sites set up for national dataset recording. LCAP Target: 15 community groups trained in best practice governance and successful fund raising (92) Advice on governance and fund raising given to eighty groups, including a History and Heritage network that continues to meet. 25 P a g e

28 Non cash Cash HLF Limestone Journeys Financial Summary The Scheme has delivered 3.2million investment into the area. The Scheme brought in more than 500,000 worth of investment than anticipated with external grants, contributions and volunteer time. The HLF Award amounted to 64% of the total scheme value when awarded in The additional contributions and a reduced VAT expenditure confirmed that HLF s investment in the Scheme reduced to 52% of the total value. Stage 2 Award Final Delivery NET 1,544,963 Contingency 80,620 1,907,600 Actual 1,618,000 1,674,000 64% 52% VAT 282,017 VAT 56,000 Secured 223, ,839 Un-secured 206,179 15% Secured 710, ,000 22% In-kind 338,795 In-kind 340,000 Volunteer 238, ,895 21% Volunteer 462, Year Management 50, Year Management 50, ,000 26% TOTAL VALUE 2,964,334 3,236, P a g e

29 Outcomes and Impact Limestone Journeys Landscape Partnership outcomes can be thought of as the difference the Scheme has made. This can be firstly in terms of the impact it has had on the landscape and heritage features, and secondly changes in the way people view or engage with their landscape. For a Landscape Partnership Scheme, the legacy means the enduring benefits that result from HLF-funded activities and should be seen as a catalyst for other activities that can continue after a Scheme has completed delivery. Heritage and Landscape in a Deprived Area The Scheme developed information around people s perception of the landscape. As the partnership proposal was developed in 2010, Bolsover Community and Voluntary Partners completed 500 surveys with local people. The same questions were used to survey people coming to Limestone Journeys annual events in 2012, 2013 and At these events, over 90% of people said that they regularly went out in the countryside, used public rights of way or visited country parks. People valued local nature and being able to use the countryside for children and to see wildlife. Attendees at the AdventureFest supported each year were most likely to have attended other Limestone Journeys activities, learning or events. Volunteering The Scheme attracted over 300 individual volunteers to give a total of 2,600 days as their personal interests and community projects developed. Working as part of a team to research the history and architecture of local villages How friendly and supportive the Limestone Journeys team have been Learning more about the area and meeting local people Meeting new people & gaining local knowledge Gaining new confidence A huge thank you to the friendly and trusting village people in sharing their stories A privilege Skills Base of Partners Several partners reported an increase in the skills and experience of the staff through working on the Scheme. Many partners report that they have increased confidence in continuing programmes in the area. Bolsover Countryside Service and Junction Arts co-operated on several installation projects along the Archaeological Way. The two organisations have gone onto work on other projects. The area is now tagged with landscape art inspired by heritage 27 P a g e

30 Conservation Impact The Scheme area now looks significantly different along major routes with planting of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and restored walls. Local sites have improved management, often with volunteers from local communities taking responsibility for their care. The hedgerow conservation with a combination of new planting, gapping up hedges and hedge laying totalling approximately forty kilometres has been a resounding success in making a significant contribution to the enhancement of the landscape character of the project area. The Future When considering the impact and continuation of a Landscape Partnership Scheme consideration needs to be given about what can realistically be achieved with a 3 million investment spread over a 131 square kilometre area over five years, which translates to a figure of 4,500 per square kilometre per year. This section describes some of the activities that are continuing as a result of the partnership coming together to deliver the Scheme. Visitor Economy Partners met during 2014 and 2015 to discuss moving the visitor economy forward in an area now focusing across the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire county borders. This will develop a coherent tourism product that maximises the area s heritage destinations, the active recreation trails network and their inherent connectivity. The network of partners has been extended beyond those engaged specifically in Limestone Journeys, to additional external organisations. Suggested activities would encourage multi-destination visits, with overnight stays, facilitated by off-road trails network. The existing assets, including the Archaeological Way, can be promoted to expand the market to key target audiences of families and early retirees. Long term outcomes would be to increase visitor numbers and spend in the area and an opening in the market to stimulate the development of more visitor accommodation. The transformation of cycling as a leisure pursuit and an option for sustainable transport would increase rural connectivity. UNESCO World Heritage Site Status Creswell Heritage Trust is pursuing World Heritage Site Status for Creswell Crags. During the life of the Scheme, prioritisation for this work fluctuated with the business priorities of the Trust. The Landscape Partnership provided a basis for raising the profile of the limestone landscape, which will mesh with refinement of the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value in the future. 28 P a g e

31 Conclusions Limestone Journeys Through working together the Limestone Journeys Landscape Partnership has enabled project partners to deliver wider benefits and attract additional heritage and environmental investment to the East Midlands Area. In particular it should be noted that Limestone Journeys has demonstrated: Significant engagement with members of the community in areas where people have not previously been engaged. A strong volunteer programme that has acted as a catalyst with many volunteers reporting an increased confidence and going on to volunteer with other local projects. Conservation impact through the planting of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and restored walls, with landowners becoming more confident and making sensitive changes to their hedgerow management. Improved access through the creation of Phase 1 of the Archaeological Way, becoming part of a larger network of trails, which will deliver long term social benefit to users. The Limestone Journeys Landscape Partnership Scheme has been focussed on local needs and will help act as a catalyst leaving an improved heritage and strengthened communities within the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone area. Simon Lees ~ Countryside Training Partnership (external evaluation) Limestone Journeys would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who participated in our projects, and provided support and experience to the scheme The Local History and Heritage Network, the schools and communities of the area and their input to the projects, Daniella Dunn, Andy Laking and the team of Conservation Volunteers, Paul Coulson, Richard Fletcher and the team of Archaeological Access Way volunteers, Ian Wall,, Mick Richardson, Mick Gamble, Janice Shaw, Barbara Kirsop, John Charlesworth, the Buildings Recording volunteers, Diane Harding, Elaine Hancock, Jim Anderson, Diane Coupe, Mark Pearson, Bolsover Woodlands Enterprises, the team of Butterfly Surveying volunteers and the landowners who welcomed our volunteers. 29 P a g e

32 The Limestone Journeys Partnership A Landscape Partnership on the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone Front cover design: the Archaeological Way at Langwith, Cave to Castle artwork by Chesterfield College Student Poppy Keats, exhibited at the Harley Gallery Welbeck, and the Langwith Show at Rhubarb Farm