A South Lakeland rural heritage project has been recognised by the Rural Business Awards at a glittering ceremony in Worcestershire.
Rusland Horizons (RH) is one of the country’s first community-led Landscape Partnership Schemes and is largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. At the event to celebrate national winners, the partnership came runners up in the category for best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community project.
Colin Barr, Chairman of Rusland Horizons Partnership commented: “Our work is led by the community, and reaching the national final of this prestigious award scheme means so much to everyone involved in the landscape partnership, especially our volunteers who contribute such a lot. None of this would be possible without funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the invaluable support of the Lake District National Park, its partners and the hard work put in by Rusland Horizons staff.
“Programmes like the Rural Business Awards are vital to highlight the incredible work of the organisations striving to preserve the British landscape for future generations.”
Sharon Callaghan the scheme administrator, who attended the ceremony, said: “The evening was a great celebration of amazing and diverse rural businesses – proud to be a regional winner and massive congratulations to all those who triumphed on the night.”
Steve Tatlock, Team Leader for Lake District National Park said: “This is such positive news in recognising the real difference the Scheme is making to the landscape within the English Lake District World Heritage Site. We’re proud to have supported the apprenticeship programme in particular, which has given young people the skills needed to help look after this important natural and cultural heritage for years to come.”
