Explore our fascinating natural heritage in person and online this month
Many of us discovered more about our immediate surroundings as the world around us shrank in lockdown and this year’s ten-day Heritage Open Days festival is another chance to celebrate nature.
The 26th annual event, which runs from September 11th-20th, will turn the spotlight on natural heritage, with activities taking place at venues across the country, and online.
Annie Reilly, Head of Producing at Heritage Open Days, said: ‘Heritage Open Days is all about sharing amazing stories of the places, spaces, nature, heritage and history around us.
‘Feeling part of a community has never been more important, and we’ve been planning new ways to keep people connected with each other and their local area, whether it’s from home with our new digital programme or exploring Hidden Nature in the great outdoors.’
These are seven of the Lancashire venues taking part in online activities this year. For the full list of participating venues, go to heritageopendays.org.uk
BOLTON AQUARIUM HISTORY TOUR
Bolton Library and Museum Services, Bolton
View the Hidden Nature living underwater from home! This special online tour of Bolton Aquarium will take participants through the site’s history from the early days in the 1940s to today, as well as providing an opportunity to see fish from around the world being fed.
September 11th-20th,
available anytime.
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WHISTLE STOP STORE TOUR
Bolton Library and Museum Services, Bolton
Take a behind-the-scenes video tour of Bolton Museum’s collections store, ‘The Chadwick Resource Centre’. Available to watch throughout the festival, viewers will see highlights from the museum’s 60,000 objects, as well as meeting the people who care for them.
September 11th-20th,
available anytime.
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RUBBISH TO RESOURCE
Recycle for Greater Manchester, Manchester
Discover what happens to your recycling once the bins have gone. This interactive online event will show participants how state of the art technology sorts and separates recyclables, with a chance to find out more in a myth busting Q&A.
September 16th, 17th and 18th, various times.
Booking required.
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ST JAMES THE GREAT CHURCH
Daisy Hill, Westhoughton
Puzzle away with a digital jigsaw of this Grade II* church. Designed to highlight the building’s architecture, the games can be adapted for all ages to help everyone explore beautiful details, such as the landmark bell turret and Morris & Co windows.
September 11th-20th,
available anytime.
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LIVE FROM TOAD LANE
Co-operative Heritage Trust, Rochdale
Join this live online talk from the town’s original pioneer’s shop and learn about the world’s first modern co-operative. Participants will hear about the history of this retail model, with the chance to ask questions and share stories during this interactive event.
September 12th, 7pm.
Booking required.
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PARK LIFE
Haslam Park and Local Nature Reserve, Friends of Haslam Park, Preston
Discover the hidden nature of this diverse habitat of wetland, woodland, hedgerows and meadows in the centre of Preston. As well as walks and talks, visitors can also find old apple varieties in the community orchard and a special nature search will keep the children busy.
September 19th, 10am-4pm
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EXPLORE THE HALL
Lytham Hall, Lytham
Explore parts of this 18th century hall which have been closed to the public for decades. Visitors will get an early look at the renovated top floor, as well as a chance to see the archive department, and the opportunity to watch and learn Georgian dances with the Regency Rejigged group.
September 20th, 10am-4pm
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