The First World War and Nidderdale AONB: Leeds Pals, Prisoners Of War and the Home Front

‘The First World War and Nidderdale AONB: Leeds Pals, Prisoners Of War and the Home Front’ was Nidderdale AONB’s three-year First World War centenary project in this area of the Yorkshire Dales. Work started to develop an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 2013. Following discussions with archaeologists, heritage professionals, volunteer groups and schools (to name but a few) it became clear that an interesting, worthwhile and well-supported project looking at the impact of the First World War on Nidderdale AONB should be developed. In April 2013, we were awarded £99,500 from the HLF. The project focused on the impact of the war on the landscape and communities of Nidderdale AONB and the poignant story of the Leeds Pals, who were trained in the area. The project delivered a huge amount of research carried out by volunteers, supported by training events and research visits, into the people and places affected by the First World War, the landscape of Colsterdale and the Leeds Pals battalion. These included: a three-year programme of archaeological research and investigation, in partnership with the University of York; a three-year programme of public events including guided walks, talks and family events; touring displays to inform the public about our project, both in Nidderdale AONB and in Leeds; development of First World War-themed heritage trails and additional interpretation; access improvements to the Leeds Pals Memorial in Colsterdale; First World War schools resources, schools workshops and a short-story competition; preparing a digital database of two thousand service men and women from this area who served during the First World War. These outputs were collectively made possible thanks to the work of a huge number of volunteers and partner organisations. The website link below shares the findings of the project.