£8.3m cash to help protect northern heritage sites from coronaviris crisis

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supported hundreds of organisations in the north of England

The Heritage Emergency Fund was set up at speed in late April in recognition of the fact that the UK’s heritage would need significant help to survive the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Since then 197 grants have been awarded in the North of England to cover costs including core staff, essential maintenance and utility costs and safe reopening, saving swathes of organisations from permanent closure. The fund closed at the end of July, with final grants awarded last week.

David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage across the North of England has faced a challenge like never seen before during this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

"As a funder, we knew that those dedicated to safeguarding and preserving our all-important heritage would need significant support, and we worked incredibly hard and against the clock to refocus our funding programme and get grants out the door.

"We are extremely proud that our funding has been able to support such a diverse portfolio of organisations and groups to weather the crisis and continue their work at this difficult time.

"We are keen to understand more about what support heritage organisations in the North need as we hopefully move into recovery. Sadly, we cannot save everyone and we know challenges still exist for many and that obstacles still lie ahead, we are grateful that thanks to National Lottery players we have been able to support so many.”

Grants were awarded across the full breadth of heritage, from historic sites, industrial and maritime heritage, museums, libraries and archives to parks and gardens and landscapes and nature. They also went to charities supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities, and organisations which are involved in exploring and supporting the UK’s cultural heritage.

Locally, Sheffield Environment Movement were granted £9,600 to cover staffing and equipment costs for distance learning and to maintain relationships with the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups they support.