South Pennine community heritage project comes to a close

Healey Dell

A community heritage project which has connected South Pennine residents – including parts of rural Rochdale – with their local woodlands is coming to a close.

The project is coming to a close after over three years of community archaeological investigations, forest schools, festivals, workshops and a conference across the South Pennines. 38 woodlands across the South Pennines have been investigated as part of the project, including Healey Dell in Rochdale, Towneley Woods in Burnley, Hardcastle Crags in Hebden Bridge and North Dean Woods in Elland.

The results will not only be used to update the regional Historic Environment Records but also to inform landowners of heritage assets held by them, the significance of these assets and how best to manage them. Reporting is ongoing but over 1,000 features of archaeological significance have been recorded to date.

Christopher Atkinson, Heritage and Landscape Development Manager at Pennine Propsects, said: “Not only are these surveys benefitting the historic record, they are significantly beneficial to the local community, offering individuals and families new insight into the history of the area and raising awareness of the importance of ‘their woodland’ in relation to the wider South Pennines.”

In addition to funding a Woodland Heritage Officer, Newground Together has helped facilitate eight forest school training events, resulting in over 80 adults achieving a qualification to Level 1 Forest School Practitioner.

Peter Jordan, Director of Newground Together, added: “The woodlands of the South Pennines have a fascinating story to tell and can inspire, educate and entertain.

“Connecting communities with the natural environment can build a sense of appreciation of how it can impact on our lives including climate change, loss of biodiversity and flooding.

“Spending time in the natural environment can also boost health and wellbeing and projects like this can foster a great sense of belonging and community pride.”