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News

Somerset Celebrates - good news for future development of the Avalon Marshes


Not strictly stone news, but the good news that a landscape is being preserved and getting some money as well! Especially after the closing down of the Sweet Track Centre....

Today (Thursday 20th May), the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has earmarked a first-round pass* of £1,867,900 - including £95,400 development funding - under its Landscape Partnership (LP) programme, for Natural England to progress its plans for the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership Project.

The announcement was made by Simon Timms, in his first engagement as newly-appointed chair of Heritage Lottery Fund South West committee.

Working with local communities, partners and visitors, this exciting project will celebrate the outstanding natural and cultural heritage of the area through new heritage conservation, education, interpretation and rural skills training activities.

The Avalon Marshes comprise the low lying land of the Brue Valley which extends from Glastonbury in the east, towards Bridgwater Bay in the West. A nationally and internationally important wetland habitat, it is rich in wildlife and steeped in archaeological heritage. Home to ancient Neolithic trackways, stunning wildflower meadows, and thousands of wintering wildfowl, this landscape has many ancient and modern stories to tell.

The plans that Natural England and partners are seeking HLF support for aim to develop access, interpretation, education, and economic opportunities, with heritage at the heart of supporting a future for rural communities in the Avalon Marshes. Access to the landscape will be improved through new heritage interpretation using modern technology, new boardwalks and hides, and new access routes.

The project aims to revive traditional heritage skills such as thatching, willow weaving and green woodworking and will deliver specialist courses and training, in particular for young people, underprivileged groups and the unemployed.........


http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/south_west/press_releases/2010/200510.aspx
moss Posted by moss
21st May 2010ce

Comments (2)

This is terrific news Moss, thanks for posting. thesweetcheat Posted by thesweetcheat
21st May 2010ce
Yes I agree, it is always good news to hear an ancient landscape is being protected (and enhanced). Thanks Moss - it seems totally appropriate to read about it here. tjj Posted by tjj
22nd May 2010ce
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