Set in 75 acres of Suffolk countryside, the Museum of East Anglian Life explores the agricultural, industrial and cultural history of East Anglia. Their volunteers play a vital role in caring for the resident animals, looking after the estate and welcoming guests.

“Two days a week up here definitely helped. I felt safe in here – safer than anywhere else apart from home.”

Heather, volunteer

While the museum was closed from March to July 2020, some of these activities had to be suspended. But the walled gardens continued to be maintained by three dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer Heather said, “Two days a week up here definitely helped. I felt safe in here – safer than anywhere else apart from home.”

“We’re glad we came in, because if we hadn’t, we think it may have taken three years to catch up.”

The museum was able to safely reopen to the public on 16 July thanks to a £48,800 grant from our Heritage Emergency Fund. They adapted to provide more socially distanced volunteering opportunities, enabling them to look after more of the estate.

Thanks to a £99,200 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, the museum’s 18th-century Alton Watermill is also currently being restored. The project, ending in spring 2021, will include opportunities for the museum’s dedicated volunteers to become millers.