Peckover House gets funding for community projects

Peckover House will consult with communities and local organisations about the types of events to hold

A National Trust property has been awarded £20,000 of funding by the National Lottery Community Fund for a project to bring together local communities and organisations.

Peckover House, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, will use the money to fund a two-year, part-time community ranger role.

The ranger will be part of the 'Unlocking Peckover for Wisbech' project to work with the community on a range of events on the trust's green spaces including Harecroft playing fields and Octavia Walk.

Peckover House said it would "listen to our communities" and respond to their needs.

The 18th Century house, which is on the North Brink, has been owned by the charity since the 1940s.

The National Trust said events would focus on improved wellbeing and community projects.

The need for a new role was identified following a consultation with the local community about how to better meet its needs and make people feel welcome.

The trust wants to create community projects on Harecroft playing fields

Kerith Ririe, project manager for Unlocking Peckover for Wisbech, said: "Now, thanks to National Lottery players this new role is an important step in ensuring that we are meeting the needs of our local communities and continuing the legacy of the Peckover Family.

"I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved and excited to see all the great collaborative work develop with our new community ranger making this green space a place for nature and people to thrive together.”

Dainius Dovidenas, who was appointed to the community ranger role in June, said he was pleased "to be of service to the people of Wisbech".