Uplands research explores sense of place

Some of the most remote and beautiful regions of Northern England are set to take part in new research project managed by the International Centre for the Uplands – Cumbria.

The International Centre for the Uplands – Cumbria was launched in 2004. Based at Hackthorpe Hall, near Penrith, it combines funding from three agencies: Cumbria County Council, Rural Regeneration Cumbria - supported by the North West Development Agency - and the Lake District National Park Authority (through the Sustainable Development Fund) and is led by Lancaster University.

The Sense of Place Project will bring people together to identify the value of their local heritage, culture and landscape and work out ways of sharing that value with the whole community.

Project Officer, Jenny Smith will lead the Sense of Place Project.

She said: “These areas of northern England include some of the most scenic and remote upland areas in the country. They are unique landscapes – many of which have protected status – containing a network of farming and rural communities, each with its own traditions, culture and heritage. The Sense of Place Project aims to support communities to develop and make the most of what is already at the core of their culture.”

Sense of Place, which is both a research and training project, will run throughout 2006 in Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland.

The project was developed by the three Leader+ groups in Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland along with the International Centre for the Uplands – Cumbria, Newcastle University and the Hidden Britain Centres Cumbria Project.

It is funded by these three Leader+ groups and is one of the first inter-territorial Leader+ projects in England. Leader+ is a European Community Initiative for assisting rural communities in improving the quality of life and economic prosperity in their local area.

Peter Davis, Professor of Museology at Newcastle University, is the Project Adviser, providing specialist knowledge and expertise.

Together these organisations form the project management group.

Organisations and individuals interested in taking part in the project can contact Jenny at jenny.cumbria@hotmail.co.uk or via the International Centre for the Uplands on 01931 711112.