A new project known as “Exploring the Historic Landscape of Crich Tramway Village” has been awarded a £84,000 National Lottery grant as the museum continues to find new ways of bringing visitors through the doors which can only be a good thing for the future survival of the national collection. The project will be focusing on both the industrial and natural heritage of the site as well as exploring woodland and local folklore.
The project will see the tramway working alongside the Peak District Mines Historical Society and will encourage visitors to explore and discover new aspects of Crich Tramway Village and look at their surroundings differently. One criticism often levelled at the site around the Wakebridge tramstop is that there isn’t a huge amount for visitors to see and do but it is planned that this project will help to remedy this issue. A range of improvements will be carried out in both the Woodland Walk and at Wakebridge including activities and information to help families learn about Derbyshire’s lead mining heritage. New wooden sculptures in the woodland will be themed around local wildlife and woodland folklore whilst a bird hide will be installed and the pathways in the Woodland Walk will be improved.
The Tramway Museum Society will be providing over £25,000 of funding towards the project to restore an historic tram shelter.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that the museum site is a historic artefact in itself with it being located on the site of the old mineral railway built by George Stephenson and these new improvements will help to tell more of this important story.
The final part of the project will be looking at customs and folklore that are peculiar to the local area as well folklore relating to specific woodland species.
It may not be news about a new tram restoration but in order to help fund future tram related projects at the museum it is imperative that more visitors are encouraged through the door at Crich and with more to see and do this should help repeat visitors throughout the year.