The project aims to protect and enhance the Holy Island of Lindisfarne by reconnecting the community’s relationship with their land and seascapes, heritage and history, making the area a better place to work, live and visit. Development funding of £98,800 has also been awarded to help Holy Island of Lindisfarne Community Development Trust progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The project name, Peregrini Lindisfarne, was chosen to remind us of the monks and other devout itinerants who, in search of wilderness and tranquillity, built monasteries and cells on remote islands such as Lindisfarne. These people were known as Peregrini – it gives us the word Pilgrim, thousands of whom regularly visit this area.

The cultural heritage of the island is integral to the area. Holy Island is known as the Cradle of Christianity with connections to St Aidan, St Cuthbert and the associated monasteries, cells and hermitages; the island’s association with The Golden Age of Northumbria; and the Lindisfarne Gospels. The landscape is also rich in biodiversity, including very rare plant species such as the delicate Lindisfarne helleborine, rich wildlife habitats (particularly for migratory and breeding birds) and high geological interest.

Dick Patterson from Holy Island of Lindisfarne Community Development Trust said: “We’re thrilled that HLF has given us this support. I didn’t quite believe it when I was told the news. It is wonderful for the island, the development trust, the community and all the people who come to Holy Island every year.”

Ivor Crowther, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the North East, said: “The Island of Lindisfarne is a haven for local wildlife and an important part of the North East’s natural heritage which is why we are so pleased to be giving our initial support for this project that plans to conserve this beautiful landscape for the future. People are at the heart of HLF projects, so it’s a real plus that the local community will be driving forward this project to help the wider public learn more about Lindisfarne’s fascinating history.”

Notes to editors

¹ A Landscape Partnership (LP) earmarked first-round pass means that money has been set aside by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the scheme in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while it does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support. The applicant then progresses to the second round and submits a further, fully-developed application to secure the full award.  This early level of strong financial commitment means that LPs can build strong partnerships with the assurance that funding for their scheme is in place provided that their final proposals fully meet the programme's criteria.  

² HLF’s Landscape Partnerships are helping bring together members of the community as well as local, regional, and national organisations to deliver schemes which benefit some of the UK’s most outstanding landscapes and rural communities. Grants range from £250,000 up to £2m.  The next closing date for LP applications is 28 February 2012.

About Holy Island of Lindisfarne Community Development Trust
Holy Island of Lindisfarne Community Development Trust is a charitable company. It is run by a set of volunteer Trustees and has over 80 general members. It was formed in 1996 and provides an opportunity for the community to provide its own solutions to the challenges of rural living. Founded as a community partnership, the Trust also leads the working of a wider partnership – the Holy Island Partnership – which will oversee this project.

Further information

Please call Katie Owen, HLF press office, on 020 7591 6036 / 07973 613 820.  

Or contact Jon Riley, Project Manager at Seahouses Development Trust, on 07535 757 943 / jon.riley@seahouses.org.