A PROJECT for schools based around the wartime history of a Northumberland tourist attraction has secured £10,000 in lottery funding.
Digging for Memories, which will look back at the Duchess of Northumberland’s Alnwick Garden during the Second World War, has landed the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s (HLF) All Our Stories grant programme.
The garden dates back to the 1750s when the first Duke of Northumberland enlisted the help of Capability Brown to create the landscape that still exists today. Subsequent dukes added to the site with seeds and plants from across the world.
Exotic fruits such as pineapples were grown in hothouses and acres of flowers were planted. The garden flourished at the end of the 19th Century but suffered for many years after the war.
The site was left in ruin until the present duchess began the project to transform it into the stunning landscape that it is today.
The project will use the history behind the garden and the memories of older generations to develop an educational schools programme.
It will include reminiscence days, school art projects and activities to connect the Second World War Dig for Victory campaign with memories about gardening from days gone by, to modern- day initiatives to encourage home growing.
All Our Stories is a new grant project launched in support of BBC Two’s The Great British Story.
The series is presented by historian Michael Wood and supported by a programme of BBC learning activities and events.
With HLF funding and support, the project will allow community groups to carry out activities that help them explore, share and celebrate their local heritage.
Helen Shepherd, project co-ordinator and community development manager at the garden, said: “We want to find out a little more about The Alnwick Garden during the war years and to what lengths people went to support themselves.
“Our aim will be to ensure children understand how gardening skills and knowledge became a vital part of the survival of communities during the war.
“We want to link gardening in past years to modern-day initiatives, such as our Roots and Shoots project which gives children the skills to plant up and maintain their own allotment plots.”
Mr Wood said: “I am delighted that the people of Alnwick have been inspired to get involved to tell their own story and dig deep into the past.
“Having travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles this last year filming The Great British Story, I am certain fascinating and moving stories will be uncovered which will not only bring to life the excitement of local history, but will illuminate and enrich every community’s connection with the national narrative.”
Sessions are taking place in March and April and anyone interested in attending should contact Sarah Hall on 01665 511354 or sarah.hall@alnwickgarden.com
