29th August 2017
The Land Trust is giving people the chance to go behind the scenes and find out more about some of the unusual buildings and hidden heritage that shape its parks and nature reserves.
As part of the Heritage Open Days festival, a free four-day celebration of history and culture, the national land management charity is offering exclusive access, guided tours and special insights at several of its sites across England from 7th to 10th September.
Alan Carter, Director of Portfolio Management at the Land Trust, said: “The beauty and benefits of many of our green spaces are clear for everyone to see, but there are many hidden gems too. We’re delighted to offer exclusive access to some of the historic buildings we care for and rare insights into how our industrial past has shaped today’s communities as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days festival.”
Fort Burgoyne, Dover
Thursday 7th September
10am and 2pm
The First and the Last: Following the shared experience of Britain and Belgium in the First World War and in particular Mons – the location of the first British war graves and VCs in 1914 and last British and Canadian casualties in 1918.
Friday 8th September
10am and 2pm
Dover’s 20th Century Guns: Exploring the wide range of military hardware which appeared in and around the town.
All sessions last around two hours and will include access to the Fort building, which is currently closed to the public.
Further details and bookings at: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/fort-burgoyne
Pleasley Pit, Mansfield
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September
9am to 4pm
Come along for a fun-filled day out. The south winding engine will be running and the south pit top area will be open, with members of the Pleasley Pit Trust on hand to talk about the site’s mining past. Plus craft stalls, Pleasley Pit Ale and refreshments on sale, and music from the Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band.
Come along at any time, further details at: www.pleasleypittrust.org.uk
Davy Down Urban Riverside Park, Thurrock
Sunday 10th September
10am to 4pm
Drop in at any time to see behind-the-scenes at the pumping station and water treatment plant, operated by Essex & Suffolk Water, and find out about the history of water supply.
There will also be craft activities and games and visitors can enjoy a walk around the 6-hectare park.
Booking not required, further details at: www.thelandtrust.org.uk/events/davy-heritage-open-day/
Port Sunlight River Park, Bromborough
Thursday 7th September
10.30am to 12pm
Find out how Port Sunlight River Park was created on a guided walk led by Biffa, the company responsible for the former landfill site, and Autism Together, the local charity that carries out the day-to-day management of the park. The walk is 2.5miles on gentle slopes.
Saturday 9th September
10am to 12pm
Head down to Bromborough Pool for tours around the Grade 2 Listed buildings of the school, church and Giles Shirley Hall at 10am, 11am and 12pm. Visitors will also be able to find out about plans for the Port Sunlight River Park Heritage Visitor Centre.
10.30am to 4pm
Visit Bromborough Pool Garden Centre to find out about the archaeological excavations in the area and see some of the artefacts. As well as learning about future excavation plans, visitors will be able to find out from Big Heritage about the Heritage Lottery Funded grant, in partnership with the Land Trust and Autism Together, to interpret the area’s history.
10.30am
Find out about the Discovering Bromborough; Interpreting the past project during a talk at Giles Shirley Hall at 10.30am. Places must be booked by calling 0151 643 1359.
2pm to 4pm
A guided walk around Bromborough Pool – the first industrial garden village. The 2-mile walk is mostly on pavements, but includes a visit to the Old Courthouse site which may be muddy.
Find out more at: www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk
Haig – Colourful Coast, Cumbria
Saturday 9th September
10am to 12pm
Haig Heritage Walk – Join us for a short ramble as we delve into the mining history of Whitehaven. As we walk along the coast you’ll see and hear about the industrial history and mining heritage that has shaped the Whitehaven coastline and continues to do so today.
Meet at Wellington Lodge, Harbour View, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 9AD
Sunday 10th September
10.30am to 3.30pm
Foghorn Station Walk – Join us for a walk with the Colourful Coast Partnership from Haig Museum along the coast to the St Bees Head Fog Signal Station. You’ll see and hear about the industrial history that has shaped the coastline and continues to do so today. At St Bees Head Fog Signal Station there will be a rare chance to look inside the building which perches precipitously on St Bees Head. Approx 6 miles.
Meet at the car park next to Haig Mining Museum CA28 9BG
Booking is essential for both walks – call Sophie on 07342 088015.
Please dress appropriately for the weather – walking boots, waterproofs and suncream are recommended. Bring water/snacks/lunch.
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