Whitehawk's Hills

Vision for a Vibrant Heritage & Nature Site

Our Vision: Whitehawk and surrounding neighbourhoods are healthy, inclusive and thriving. Whitehawk's Hills becomes a vibrant, inclusive heritage and nature site, cared for and celebrated by its local community.

Our Core Aim

Reconnecting People with Ancient Heritage and Nature

To reconnect people with Whitehawk's ancient heritage and natural landscape through inclusive, community-led interpretation, activity and stewardship—building a legacy of pride, skills and sustainable local care.

Our Community Development Approach

A strengths-based approach placing local people at the heart of the project as co-creators, researchers, volunteers, and decision-makers.

1. Connection

We will remove barriers to participation through tailored engagement, accessible communication, and inclusive activities that reconnect underrepresented communities with their natural and historic heritage.

2. Community-led Place-Making

Local groups will co-produce a new narrative to replace the dominating negative reputation, reframing Whitehawk as a source of pride and a bio-cultural destination.

3. Progression & Legacy

Information, training, and volunteering will build local skills in conservation, communication, and storytelling, leaving a blueprint for inclusive, community-led heritage stewardship.

Who We Support

We focus on communities in Whitehawk and surrounding areas who experience poverty and exclusion, ensuring equitable access to their natural and historic heritage.

Inclusion Focus

People in the top 10-20% IMD who face poverty and exclusion.

Families & Low Income

Families on low income (e.g., Hawks Children and Families Group, Whitehawk Family Hub).

Health & Wellbeing

People experiencing poor health and older people (65+) (e.g., BN2 5Health Hub, Hawks 50+ group).

Accessibility & Disability

People with learning disabilities and disabled people (e.g., Speak Out East).

Measuring Our Impact

For Heritage & Place

  • The Neolithic monument and chalk grassland are better understood, protected and celebrated.
  • The site is more actively and sustainably managed.
  • 1 x Co-produced Theory of Change and 1 x 'live' site management & action plan created.
  • 6 x Interpretation signage installed, with accessible walking routes and digital content.

For People (Health, Skills, Connection)

  • Progression:
  • Build skills, confidence, knowledge and volunteering.
  • Agency: Increased capacity and expertise to manage their heritage.
  • 25 new volunteers trained annually.
  • 100 engaged in community research.
  • Wellbeing:
  • Improved health and wellbeing.
  • Equity: Increased inclusion and access for underrepresented groups.
  • 250 participants attending heritage activities, walks and events p.a.
  • Connection: Increased bond with natural and historic heritage.

For Communities & Organisations

  • Local organisations improve their capacity, skills and partnership working.
  • Increase community pride and sense of belonging.
  • A replicable model for community-led heritage is created and shared.
  • Long-term stewardship is embedded through collaboration and shared ownership.