A NEW project which explores the history of the Isle of Portland's footpaths has been given a boost by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

b-side has received £10,000 from the HLF for a new project ‘Portland Pathways’ which will explore the historic origins of footpaths on the Isle their relationship to the landscapes and sites they connect.

The project, which will start next month, will involve a team of community researchers led by research coordinator Bea Moyes, an independent researcher and filmmaker, with a background working with archive collections.

Researchers will undertake walks, visits to various sites across the island, use historical records and archives as well as include people’s experiences and memories.

b-side have also looked at ensuring that the project has an exciting creative outcome which will consist of an artist’s installation and a series of published maps, with the aim to inspire residents and visitors to explore Portland’s public pathways and learn more about the of significance of the rights of way, and their relationship to the landscapes and heritage sites they connect.

Amanda Wallwork from b-side said: “Many of the footpaths we use today have their origins in routes travelled hundreds or thousands of years ago, we often take these rights of way or granted but they can tell us much about our history and landscape - we hope this project will help raise awareness of what an asset footpaths are for exploring and understanding our environment.

"We are also looking for people who would like to become involved in the research.

"You can be flexible about how much time you can commit, and which areas of research you would like to be involved in."

The final works will be presented as part of the 2018 b-side festival between Saturday 8 and Sunday, September 16, 2018.

Bea will be hosting an informal drop in session on Thursday, March 22 between 12pm and 5pm at b-side at Outpost, 77 in Fortuneswell (DT5 1LY).

For more information on this project visit b-side.org.uk.