Blackdown Metal Makers
Image: Noni the Blacksmith by Catherine Farnell, illustrated by Lucy Richards
Blackdown Metal Makers used arts and archaeology to involve local primary schools and families in exploring the area's Iron Age past through a host of fun, inclusive activities. The project commissioned new archaeology that added significantly to our understanding of ancient iron working in the area. It engaged communities in looking for evidence in the landscape and worked creatively with local primary pupils to create a series of enjoyable online films for use in schools, accompanied by downloadable KS2 resources. For younger children, there were family events and a new children's book, Noni the Blacksmith, that was available in hard copy and as a digital flip book. I devised and managed the project in partnership with the Carousel Project for the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership. The main funder was the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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