Trent Vale project seeks community involvement

The activity is part of the Trent Vale project; a three year scheme that was recently ear-marked for a £1.76 million Stage 1 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Whilst a Stage 1 grant doesn’t guarantee funding, it is a positive indication of support and the money is set aside.

A community-focused development plan for the River Trent area

The project aims to create a community-focused, sustainable development plan for the area, which is located along the River Trent between Newark and Stockwith. It will do this by linking together a wide range of smaller projects, which include improving access to the river, working with farmers on habitat improvements, traditional skills training, archaeological investigations, and production of visitor guides, As well as by raising the profile of Trent Vale locally, regionally and nationally.

The Trent Vale Landscape Partnership (TVLP) is currently in a development stage - undertaking studies and research into its many projects and continuing it efforts to obtain more funding. In addition to this though, the TVLP is also looking to investigate the refurbishment of the former Victorian Old Willow Works at Beckingham, for use as a community space, training and heritage centre, and office accommodation for the Trent Vale project.

The TVLP recently appointed Nic Wort as Project Manager who, with a background in countryside management and project development, will be responsible for putting together the Stage 2 grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. This application will be submitted in February 2009 and the outcome of the application announced in July 2009.

In order to ensure full community involvement, TVLP will also be recruiting a Community Development Worker to manage the development and input of local groups and individuals into the scheme.

Communities are 'the real emphasis of this project’

Nic Wort said: “I’m really looking forward to getting involved with the communities in the Trent Vale area as they are the real emphasis of this project. I’m keen to raise awareness of the heritage and traditions of the local area, and enable people to learn traditional crafts and skills. In doing so I think we can create a real sense of place for the area”.

He continues: “We’ve already had a great deal of community support and I would be particularly interested to hear from any parish councils, community groups or individuals within Trent Vale who want to know more about the scheme, or who have suggestions for possible conservation or heritage projects”.