South Tyneside Heritage Trail
Region: North East
Local Authority: South Tyneside
Owner Type: Mixed
Funding Body: Single Regeneration Budget
Year of Intervention: 2004
Summary: Residents and visitors can now learn about the fascinating history of South Tyneside and get healthy at the same time by following the Borough's new Heritage Trail.
The Trail is designed to be easily broken down into a series of smaller circuits, while much of the route can also be visited by car or bicycle. Most is also wheelchair accessible and regular guided walks take place exploring different sections of the Trail.
The Heritage Trail has been created by South Tyneside Council's Cultural and Community Services and Groundwork South Tyneside, with funding from the Single Regeneration Budget. Much of the route follows established trails and footpaths.
32 large information panels positioned around the Trail introduce visitors to many aspects of the area's natural and cultural heritage. Members of South Tyneside's Heritage Forum and other local people helped to shape the Trail and contributed stories, photos and artwork for the panels. Further developments for 2005 will include a new guide to cycling the Trail, and a self-guided audio CD which visitors will be able to purchase or borrow.
Part of the project is an employment project managed by Groundwork South Tyneside. This has provided a number of Trail Stewards who are responsible for leading walks, giving information and developing and caring for the trail itself.
Keywords: Education and Outreach; Display and Interpretation; Social Inclusion and Access