Our Development Stage
Limestone Journeys is an exciting new project which has successfully secured the first phase of a Heritage Lottery (HLF) Landscape Partnership grant with the potential to bring £2.9 million into the area.
Background
The Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone occurs in the north east of the county as a narrow belt of elevated land, approximately 10km wide by 20km in length, which runs between Barlborough in the north to Hardwick and Pleasley in the south. The topography of the industrial coalfields in the west contrasts strongly with the low-lying regions of Nottinghamshire to the east. The HLF scheme focuses on the unique landscape and heritage that this geology has dictated and offers numerous opportunities for regeneration. This area continues to score poorly according to the index of multiple deprivation and it is the ambition of Limestone Journeys to be able to make an active contribution to its environmental, economic and social future through the programmes delivered.
Aims
- To conserve the Derbyshire Magnesian Limestone landscape and heritage features
- To enable people of all abilities to access the natural landscape and cultural heritage
- To enhance engagement between the local community and their cultural and natural landscape
- To empower people to have a positive influence on the landscape by developing new skills
Project Stages
There are two project stages:
- A one year development stage to work up a five year programme as part of a Landscape Conservation Action Plan. This is the current stage and the submission of the Plan and Stage 2 bid is due by June 2010.
- The delivery of the Landscape Conservation Action Plan over the next five years. If Stage 2 is successful we would envisage a scheme running from 2011 – 2016.
Partnerships
The strong partnership obligatory to the HLF Landscape Partnership grant was developed at Stage 1 and includes Derbyshire County Council, Community Voluntary Partnership, Natural England, Bolsover District Council, Bolsover Countryside Partnership, Groundwork Creswell, and Junction Arts, with Creswell Heritage Trust acting as the lead organisation.
Outcomes
Limestone Journeys will use heritage and biodiversity as a catalyst for cultural and social regeneration. Improvements to the green infrastructure, the developing education programme and the sustainable tourism opportunities this scheme affords, are considered essential by the partnership as major opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local communities and assist in the social and economic regeneration of the area.
Please follow the link below for Guidance Notes on State Aid Compliance:
http://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/LimestoneJourneys/LimestoneJourneysDevelopmentStage/GuidanceNotes.aspx