|
Dear ?????????
Welcome to the Autumn 2008 Edition of the Hidden Britain South East Newsletter
Hidden Britain offers free support to rural communities to help them uncover the fascinating wealth of landscape, history and culture within Britain's countryside. What's really special is that the local communities themselves, develop truly unique and distinctive experiences for people who visit their towns and villages.
Hidden Britain has been working in the South East since 2004 to encourage
tourism at a locally managed level. The project aims to
facilitate rural regeneration and community development where
it is needed most.
After three previous years of funding from Defra, the project has now gained a further two years of support from SEEDA through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).Click here for more information
This not only allows the project to continue its work, but also to expand and work with more communities than ever before. We plan to support at least 15 new destinations over the next two years, so if you think your community could benefit from the Hidden Britain approach then please get in touch!
You can reach us through the website at www.hiddenbritainse.org.uk
We have also just appointed a new development officer to the team, Claudia Townsend, who will be working part time to help develop new projects in the South East.
Claudia has worked on community and sustainable tourism in a number of countries around the world and has an MSc in tourism and sustainability. She is looking forward to getting to know some of the South East’s most interesting towns and villages and working with their communities to promote them.
Even though the new funding has only just been agreed, we've still been busy! Here's just a sample of our recent work:
We've worked in partnership with the Kent Downs Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, with three rural communities to help develop their tourism potential. In each case we have assisted them to develop promotional literature, as well as improving their online presence.
Chilham, with it's medieval square, which lies high above the valley of the River Stour in the picturesque Kent Downs, offers a real taste of history, beautifully complemented by some of the finest countryside in the South East.
Download the Chilham leaflet (Pdf 2.4mb) >>
View the Chilham pages at Ruralways.org.uk >>
Elham, nestling in the heart of the inspiring Kent Downs is truly one of the most picturesque and historic villages in East Kent.
Download the Elham leaflet (Pdf 1.5mb) >>
View the Elham pages at Ruralways.org.uk >>
St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe & St. Margaret's Bay, Basking in the first light of the day, this isolated 'island' in the midst of the White Cliffs has at its heart a lovely seaside village and secluded cove.
Download the St. Margaret's leaflet (Pdf 2.2mb) >>
Visit the new St. Margaret's website >>
View the St. Margaret's pages at Ruralways.org.uk >>
We've also been working with Thame, a genuine, historic market town in Oxfordshire, helping them to develop a town trail leaflet.
Download the Thame leaflet (Pdf 700kb) >>
In addition to our recent work here's what we're planning over the coming months:
We've been hard at work in Steyning, West Sussex, supporting the local tourism group to make the most of their enviable position just below the South Downs. They are currently putting the finishing touches on a funding bid to produce a series of walks guides.
We're also in the early stages of work with several other destinations; Petersfield, and Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire, and Hassocks in West Sussex. However we're looking for more and hope to find several new destinations over the next few months. If you know or live somewhere that would like advice and guidance from Hidden Britain, then please contact us!
We are also working on the production of an evaluation toolkit, so any community can gauge and learn form the success or otherwise of their projects. Currently we are piloting the process in Botley, Hampshire, and hope to have the final version ready to go soon.
The Hidden Britain South East Project is supported and managed by:
- SEEDA - the South East England Regional Development Agency, is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the South East of England - the driving force of the UK's economy.
Further
Information…
- SERCC - the association of the eight Rural
Community Councils in the South East of England. It provides
the regional voice and champions the needs of rural
communities across the region.
Further
Information…
- Tourism South East - the regional body
dedicated to fostering tourism growth and innovation in the
region; a partnership of industry with regional and local
government.
Further
information...
- Natural Discovery - Natural Discovery is a company selling short breaks and home products intended to inspire positive long-term environmental benefit
Further
information...
| 
