National Lottery awards £1.9m to celebrate the renowned Leaves of Southwell

Southwell Minster has been granted a £1.9 million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to celebrate and conserve the internationally eminent Leaves of Southwell.

The project aims to increase visiting numbers so more people can enjoy the 13th century naturalistic carvings among the finest in Europe, that have been a major source of inspiration for local and national writers and artists.

Its investment includes the renewal of the main east roof and stabilisation of the Chapter House environment to preserve stonework and for the first time, instal lighting and under floor heating.

"This is a thrilling opportunity for us to engage with new and diverse audiences – including National Lottery players who have made this grant possible," explained the Dean of Southwell, the Very Rev Nicola Sullivan.

"Southwell Minster is Nottinghamshire’s cathedral and its most loved building. It is a wonderful educational resource to visitors from far and near.”

Also accommodating those with reduced mobility, the project will provide a cantilever lifting platform to ensure the passageway leading up to Chapter House is accessible. Improved external lighting will also make the western paths and main north porch more useable and welcoming in dark or bad weather.

The Canon Chancellor and leader of the project, Nigel Coates, said the Leaves are a "hugely significant" part of Southwell's artistic history and heritage that offers learning about the need to look after the natural world.

He said: "The project will ensure future generations continue to be inspired by the Leaves of Southwell.”

As well as doubling the size of their Education Garden which provides visitors with a place of health and wellbeing, Southwell Minster have updated its publications of the Leaves adding a modern feel to history which hopes to encourage new interpretations and artwork.

The cash will build on the success of previous investments with the National Lottery Heritage Fund which has supported the local Minster for several years.

Anne Jenkins, midlands and east director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the historical carvings are "undeniably fine examples" they wish to be seen by a wider and more diverse audience.

"We are delighted that inclusion is at the heart of this project and invaluable training will be provided for staff at Southwell Minster to ensure that everyone feels welcome and has the best experience when they visit."

To find out more about the Leaves of Southwell, please visit: www.leavesofsouthwell.org.uk

Or if you have questions about the National Lottery Heritage Fund, please search: www.heritagefund.org.uk