[T]he Westmorland Dales, the area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park which lies to the north of the Howgills in Cumbria, has a rich built and cultural heritage.
The area is characterised by extensive pre-historic remains, many scheduled monuments, and a distinctive pattern of drystone walls as well as smaller-scale features such as lime kilns and churn stands. One of the key aims of the Heritage Lottery funded Westmorland Dales Hidden Landscapes partnership scheme, which is now getting into its stride, is to engage local people in conserving, understanding and enjoying this rich heritage.
So now is your chance to find out more about the various archaeological and built heritage projects that the scheme includes. There will be a drop-in session at Orton Market Hall from 6.30 – 8.00pm on Tuesday 4th July. Feel free to call in anytime to find out about the projects, meet those involved and volunteer your services if you are interested.
The projects cover:
- Archaeological surveys and excavations
- Boundary walls and small-scale landscape features
- Traditional Farm Buildings
- Monuments at Risk
David Evans and Nicola Estill, the scheme’s development and community engagement officers, will be there together with relevant officers from the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the archaeologists who will be leading on the various projects.
Nicola Estill said: “Everyone is really welcome to call in, have an informal chat and find out more about what is planned and how you might like to get involved. You don’t need to be an expert, just to have an interest and enthusiasm in the subject. These are early days and there will be plenty of other opportunities in the months and years to come. However, it would be great to have people’s input at this stage as it can help shape how each project develops.
Further information is available from the scheme’s website www.thewestmorlanddales.org.uk or from David and Nicola at Friends of the Lake District, who are leading the project on behalf of the broader partnership, on 01539 720788.
