The National Lottery marks its 30th birthday with a stunning 5,400 square meter ‘Heritage Tree’ land-art installation at English Heritage’s Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire. Unveiled on October 1st by actor and broadcaster Sir Tony Robinson, the artwork celebrates the extraordinary achievements of seven Heritage ‘Game Changers’, including the founders of the Eden Project and Windrush Foundation.
Sir Tony Robinson said:
Given the hugely important work of all seven, I am deeply honoured to support The National Lottery’s celebration of these extraordinary people. The role The National Lottery has played in making this possible has been vital. I’m proud to help celebrate their 30th birthday in such a meaningful way.
Renowned land artist David Popa created the breathtaking artwork using natural pigments on the abbey’s landscape. The piece, which depicts the Game Changers’ hands holding the roots of a tree, honours these individuals for their significant contributions to heritage, land, and nature over the last three decades. National Lottery players raise more than £30 million each week for good causes, and this installation is part of four unique activities happening across the UK in celebration of the Lottery’s anniversary.
The seven ‘Game Changers’ recognised for their impact on heritage and conservation are:
- Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project, transformed a clay pit in Cornwall into a world-renowned ecological attraction that has contributed over £2.2bn to the South West economy.
- Arthur Torrington CBE, co-founder of the Windrush Foundation, has elevated the legacy of the Windrush Generation through his work, inspiring future generations to honour their history.
- Teresa Anderson MBE, Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, has championed science as a form of cultural heritage, leading to Jodrell Bank being named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Chantelle Lindsay, presenter and advocate for diversity in wildlife, has worked with the London Wildlife Trust and inspired young people and ethnic minorities through her projects.
- Sandy Bremner, convener for the National Parks Authority, leads transformative projects including the Cairngorms 2030 programme, a £10 million initiative to turn the Cairngorms into the UK’s first net zero national park.
- Lisa Power MBE, trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ rights and co-founder of Stonewall, has been instrumental in campaigns for equality and coordinated The National Lottery-funded Icons and Allies Project.
- Heidi McIlvenny, project leader for Ulster Wildlife’s Sea Deep initiative, launched a pioneering shark-tagging programme in Northern Ireland to gather vital data on local marine life.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commented:
Our heritage is incredibly diverse… At the root of each part of our heritage are people. The creation of the ‘Heritage Tree’ at Whitby Abbey honours seven extraordinary Game Changers and symbolises their deep impact on heritage.
Since 1994, more than £8.6bn has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, supporting thousands of projects like those of the Game Changers.
Image Source:
- Heritage tree: The National Lottery
