Creswell Crags charity thrown a financial lifeline as landowner waives rent during COVID-19 lockdown

The Creswell Heritage Trust, which runs Creswell Crags, was one of the first independent heritage organisations to declare itself in danger due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

The charity has furloughed most of its staff and launched a £50,000 public fundraising campaign, but now its landlord the Welbeck Estate has agreed to give the organisation a rent holiday for the duration of the lockdown.

Estate chief executive Ian Goodwin said: “This is a hugely important heritage site and must be protected for future generations. We hope our gesture will help support this important charity for the benefit of the community.”

The trust previously received funding from local councils but this ended earlier in 2020, making it even more reliant on income from visitors, schools and special events.

Chairman Tim Caulton said: “We are immensely grateful for the lifeline that Welbeck Estate has thrown to us. It means that the trust is no longer in danger of imminent insolvency.

“The situation will still be financially difficult as we are locked down at the peak of our trading season, but we are taking the time to restructure our operations.”

The site’s gorge and lakeside paths remain open to the public. Staff have also created free online education resources to support home learning.

To donate to the trust, go to https://bit.ly/2zVi3TC.