The Local Heritage Initiative (LHI) was launched in England in February 2000 as a grant and advice programme to help local groups to investigate, explain and care for their local landmarks, landscape, traditions and culture.
This unique programme - administered by the Countryside Agency, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and with additional sponsorship from Nationwide Building Society - awarded over £22 million to more than 1,400 communities over a six and a half year period, and through an award winning website, has created a national archive of local heritage information.
Many aspects of local heritage are in a better state of repair, better understood and better cared for as a result of LHI and the energy and commitment of local communities.
Visit the Local Heritage Initiative website. Though the programme is now closed, the LHI site is an excellent resource to learn about the types of projects that receive local heritage funding.
Documents and downloads
Lessons Learnt: A review of the LHI 2000 - 2006 (pdf file 11MB)
LHI case studies (pdf file 7MB )
A review of the LHI ICT and website project 2000-2006 (pdf file 9MB)