The collection is comprised of the outputs of an England-wide Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) project where communities were given money to produce something tangible on their local heritage. Subjects covered include archaeology, agriculture, history and heritage, oral histories, music and literature. Material includes books, pamphlets, photographs, reports, posters, postcards, other ephemera, multi-media including CDs, VHS, cassettes, reel tapes and floppy disks.
Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) was a unique partnership between HLF, Countryside Agency who managed the operation, and Nationwide Building Society. Beginning in 2000, the scheme awarded over 1000 grants throughout England until formerly ending in 2006. Described as a small funding scheme that aimed to enable communities to investigate, explain, and care for their local landmarks, landscape, traditions and culture.
The scheme recorded significant environmental impact in re-establishing traditional management practices; improved management of habitats and safe access to them; subsequently leading to positive economic benefits for communities involved.
