The award was made to Speedwell Trust and will be used to enable local school children and the wider community to learn more about the heritage of Parkanaur Manor House and its surrounding natural environment.

Once a small 17th-century cottage, over the years the building has transformed into a Tudor Revival style Manor House which is one of oldest and most important historical buildings in the area. The ‘Shared Heritage of Parkanaur’ project will explore the heritage of the Manor House together with the extensive grounds, which contain 400 year old oaks, beeches and pines, a walled garden and a herd of white fallow deer.

A cross-community educational programme, involving at least 20 local schools, will be developed to raise awareness and understanding of the built and natural heritage of the estate. In addition to the creation of an education pack, site visits will be scheduled to enable the children to visit the Manor House and take part in living history sessions. A range of historical artefacts from the estate’s Old Museum will also be exhibited for the young people to view.  

A heritage trail will also be created throughout the Forest Park. Interpretative signage will be developed and displayed to enable visitors to learn more about the history and biodiversity of the estate. The trail will be open for the young people and members of the public to explore independently all year round.

Funding for the project was awarded through HLF’s ‘Your Heritage’ grants programme, which provides funding of up to £50,000 for projects that enable communities to explore, protect and celebrate all aspects of their heritage. 

Commenting on the announcement, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “We are very pleased to be involved in this project which will raise awareness of the built and natural heritage of Parkanaur. The school programme and heritage trail will undoubtedly attract many more visitors to the site, and will increase the enjoyment of this unique heritage asset.”     

Eamon McClean, Trust Manager, said: “Speedwell Trust is delighted with this announcement of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. We are looking forward to being able to collaborate with all the stakeholders in the Parkanaur Estate including the Forest Service, the Manor House and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council to develop a cross community schools programme as well as a heritage trail that the local community and visitors to the park can avail of. This award is extra special as it coincides with our 20th anniversary of facilitating cross community programmes to schools throughout Northern Ireland.”

HLF has grant-giving programmes to support both large and small heritage projects, and since 1994 has awarded £135 million to projects across Northern Ireland. 

For more information about HLF's funding programmes.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. 

Since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £135 million to projects across Northern Ireland.

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF Northern Ireland on 07733 100 674 or julieh@hlf.org.uk