Big boost for built heritage of South Downs National Park
June 10, 2025
Major lottery funding will support the next generation of craftspeople to help care for the National Park’s incredible historic landscape and buildings.
Sussex Heritage Trust has received a grant of £207,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver its “Heritage Skills” initiative, encouraging young people to develop traditional building craft skills crucial to the future of conservation.
It comes as the UK is facing a shortage of skilled craftspeople to conserve historic buildings. Without urgent action, the traditional skills needed to care for our heritage may be lost.
This significant funding boost will enable the Trust, working in partnership with Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester College Group, South Downs National Park Authority and a network of local employers, to deliver an ambitious three-year plan to train the next generation in skills such as Following a successful pilot last year, the project will expand its reach to hundreds more students, offering practical skills training, bursaries, and direct pathways to work experience with employers.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
The National Park really is a treasure trove for built heritage – with over 5,200 listed buildings and 166 Conservation Areas.
Siôn McGeever, Chief Executive at the National Park Authority, said: “Young people are vital to the future of the National Park – they will become the custodians of its nature and its heritage. This exciting programme provides young people with the opportunity to connect with the landscape and try out green careers, passing on the vital skills that will ensure the continued conservation of the South Downs’ historic landscape and buildings.”
Helen Reeve, Chief Executive Officer of Sussex Heritage Trust, said: “This funding will be transformative in helping us protect the historic built environment.”