This page will evolve as the project progresses. Please check back for updates. Last updated on 09.06.26.
In January, Lumb Bank put out a call for artists, historians and facilitators to apply for four micro-commissions, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to ‘explore an aspect of Lumb Bank’s heritage and work with a group to uncover something interesting to share with our local community.’ Having decided to apply, I immediately knew that I would love to work with the fantastic local volunteer group the Friends of Colden Clough, who carry out nature restoration and woodland management in the landscape surrounding Lumb Bank.
Our project explores the idea that the landscape itself can be read as a form of living history – that the woods, fields, streams and wildlife of Colden Clough still carry traces of the people and activities that have shaped them across centuries.
Using archival maps, photographs and historic newspaper reports alongside observation on the ground, the project asks questions such as:
- What history is imprinted in the landscape and its ecology?
- What has the ecology carried forward from the past?
- What species, habitats and features have been lost, altered or newly created through human activity?
- How do today’s conservation efforts become part of the continuing story of the clough?
Rather than treating history and ecology separately, the project brings them together through a historical-ecological approach to the landscape.
The project will culminate on Sunday 5th July in a guided walk to share what we have found. Here are the details:
Guided Heritage Detective Walk
Sunday 5th July, 10am–12:30pm
Meet at Eaves Recreation Ground, Eaves Avenue, Hebden Bridge
A free guided walk exploring the ecology and history of Colden Clough and Lumb Bank. Free event. All welcome.
1.5 miles. Some steep sections, steps, uneven paths. Come hoping for sun, but prepared for rain.
Workshops and Project Development
The themes, stories and locations for the walk, and for the self-guided heritage trail that will be available on the Friends of Colden Clough website afterwards, is being developed collaboratively through two small walking workshops with the committee and regular volunteers who run the Friends group.
The first workshop was held on 31st May. It explored the former fields of the Eaves Bottom Estate, the Lower and Upper Lumb Mill sites, and the woodlands of the clough. Together we discussed how industrial history, woodland management, pollution, farming, quarrying, housing development and conservation have all left lasting ecological traces in the landscape we encounter today. Here are a couple of photos from what was a very enjoyable and productive morning walk:
The second workshop, taking place later in June, will focus on the pastures, former fields and woodlands in the grounds of Lumb Bank itself.
Message to Workshop Participants
If you attended one of the workshops and would be interested in helping contribute further – whether by sharing a story, discussing a site, helping interpret one of the themes we explored together, or offering to speak at one of the stops on 5th July guided walk – I’d be very pleased to hear from you: pauljamesknights@gmail.com
Message to all members/supporters/followers of the Friends of Colden Clough
If there are topics, locations, photographs or historical questions that you would like to suggest for inclusion in the material, please feel free to get in touch.
Landscape Story 