An inclusive community project rooted in nature and wellbeing
Heritage Trails – A Journey Through Nature was a community-led programme delivered by Aspire Burnley, designed to strengthen connections between nature, heritage, and wellbeing. The project focused on engaging BAME women and girls in Burnley and Pendle, addressing barriers such as social isolation, mental health challenges, and limited access to local green and heritage spaces.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme combined guided walks, outdoor learning, and culturally sensitive engagement to create inclusive and accessible opportunities for participants to explore local natural and historic environments.
What the Project Delivered
The programme delivered 15 guided outdoor sessions, engaging over 130 participants across a range of ages. Activities included nature walks, heritage trails, and informal educational workshops that introduced participants to local sites such as Pendle Hill, Calder Park, Cathedral Cave, and Darwen Tower.
Sessions were designed with inclusivity at their core. Free equipment was provided, routes were adapted for different ability levels, and partnerships with mosques, schools, and community organisations helped build trust and encourage participation. As the project evolved, sessions were adapted to include families, which significantly increased engagement and removed transport and cultural barriers.
Project Highlights
- Over 130 BAME women and girls engaged
- 15 structured outdoor sessions delivered
- 85% of participants reported improved wellbeing
- Free equipment provided to remove financial barriers
- Over 130 BAME women and girls engaged
- 15 structured outdoor sessions delivered
- 85% of participants reported improved wellbeing
- Free equipment provided to remove financial barriers
Legacy and Learning
The Heritage Trails project demonstrated how culturally sensitive, community-led programmes can create meaningful and lasting change. By centring participant needs, adapting delivery methods, and building trusted partnerships, the project offers a strong model for future inclusive heritage and wellbeing initiatives.
The learning from this programme continues to inform Aspire Burnley’s approach to community development, inclusion, and health-focused activity.
