The National Lottery Heritage Fund

26/08/2026

When was the last time you spotted a frog in the wild? 🐸

From sunbathing lizards to great crested newts, the UK's amphibians and reptiles depend on healthy habitats to survive.

That's why we're proud to support Froglife's Coalface to Wildspace project, transforming 31 post-industrial sites across Scotland and Yorkshire into thriving spaces for wildlife.

But the benefits don't stop there. Alongside restoring habitats, the project will improve access to green spaces for local communities, creating opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn new skills and get involved in protecting their natural heritage.

Swipe through to discover five fascinating facts about the UK's amphibians and reptiles 👉

National Lottery Good Causes Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland

21/08/2026

Pushing through project development hurdles...

The projects we fund have their own unique ups and downs, and learning to ride them is a skill. Part of the development phase for the large projects we support is providing time and resources to work through the planning and preparation essential for success. 🚧

Ballycastle Museum’s current project is a masterclass in facing challenges head on and coming out stronger for it. Dr Nic Wright, Ballycastle Museum Project Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services shared his advice and reflections in our most recent grantee Q&A:

“We faced quite a few challenges over the course of the development phase and each one of them potentially could have been a project-ending issue.

“A dogged perseverance and stubbornness are essential: that resilience to see that issues aren’t insurmountable. And a good team around you.

“I had good support within the museum service, our architects provided thoughtful and practical solutions, the volunteers were amazing and our Investment Manager at the Heritage Fund was understanding and supportive.”

Having a dedicated project officer on the ground in Ballycastle also made a huge difference to keeping the community informed and involved as planning progressed. That single, recognisable face running the project’s engagement activities built trust and led to unexpected positive consequences.

Read the Q&A:: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/stories/grantee-qa-how-ballycastle-museum-pivoted-project-ending-issues-success?mtm_campaign=news&mtm_source=facebook&mtm_medium=social&mtm_content=granteeqa&mtm_group=

21/08/2026

If you're looking for somewhere new to explore...

From iconic theatres to historic parks, these places have recently reopened, been restored or completed thanks to the support of National Lottery players.

Swipe through to discover what's new 👀

Photo credits: Aaron McCracken, Anneleen Lindsay, Historic England, Hufton+Crow, Andy Bate.

17/08/2026

New home. New chapter. 🚢

Hull’s much-loved Arctic Corsair has completed her final journey to a new berth at the North End Shipyard.

The last remaining sidewinder trawler has undergone extensive restoration thanks to National Lottery players, ensuring her rich story can be preserved and shared with visitors from near and far for generations to come.

Years in the making, the move of this historic vessel marks a major milestone for Hull’s maritime heritage and contributes to the city’s ongoing cultural regeneration.

It has been wonderful to see visitors enjoying Hull Maritime Museum, and people lining the route to welcome the Arctic Corsair to her new home. 😍

Congratulations to everyone at Hull Maritime!

13/08/2026

Congratulations to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, winner of our acknowledgement awards. 👏

Their winning entry, part of the Stockton Northern Gateway Townscape Heritage Project, celebrates local heritage through a mosaic installation created in collaboration with Andrew Mckeown - Sculptor and supported by workshops with heritage volunteers and stakeholders.

We’re also pleased to recognise our runners-up:
- The Hyde Park Picture House
- The Black Country Living Museum
- Hull Maritime

The awards celebrate the many creative ways heritage projects thank National Lottery players, who make our funding possible.

Read the full story and find out how to plan your own acknowledgement in the comments below.

12/08/2026

Where will you be watching tonight’s partial solar eclipse? 🌘

This evening, the moon will pass between the sun and the earth, covering a significant part of the sun. Across history, the skies have shaped the way people understand the world around them.

With the help of players, we’ve supported places that connect communities with astronomy and our shared sky. 🌙

- Calanais Standing Stones and Visitor Centre
On the Isle of Lewis, this ancient site was erected around 5000 years ago, with its alignment with the movement of the sun and the moon showing a remarkable understanding of the skies. We’re helping to support tourism and protect the site’s heritage for the future.

- Royal Observatory Greenwich
Founded in 1675 and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the observatory was the birthplace of modern astronomy in London. With our funding, the observatory is continuing to inspire visitors and the next generation of astronomers.

- Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790 and has been conducting astronomical research ever since. We’re supporting plans to restore historic buildings and safeguard its remarkable collection for the future.

Remember to use suitable eye protection or solar viewing equipment!

Photo credits: Ralph Tonge, Big Ladder Photography, Armagh Observatory

10/08/2026

08/08/2026

Way hay and up she rises! ⚓

The stunning Grade II* listed Maritime Museum in Hull has reopened after an incredible transformation – which has been six years in the making.

Thanks to a transformation supported by players, you can chart Hull’s 800-year relationship with the sea that shaped the city. From a 40-foot right whale skeleton to intricately carved scrimshaws, and Erik the polar bear to well-used dockers' tools, you can now see even more of the city's maritime heritage on display than before.

The opening is a key milestone in the wider Hull Maritime project we're supporting, which has already seen the Spurn Lightship reopen in March. And keep an eye out, as the Arctic Corsair and North End Shipyard will welcome visitors in the not too distant future!

Hull City Council National Lottery Good Causes

06/08/2026

What a journey for Lord Rhys! 👋

Believed to have hosted the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176, Lord Rhys returned to the heart of the celebrations 850 years later with a spectacular five-metre giant puppet.

Created by Small World Byd Bach and supported by funding, the project brought the Eisteddfod's roots story to communities across Wales. 🌟

The puppet has spent the summer touring the landscape once governed by Lord Rhys himself.

Starting at his grave at St David's Cathedral in June, he travelled through Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, attracting thousands of people to the streets of west Wales before returning to Cardigan Castle for a day filled with celebrations. 🎉

And made its final appearance at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, stopping by The National Lottery stand to say a final goodbye.



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Am daith i'r Arglwydd Rhys! 👋

Credir iddo gynnal yr Eisteddfod gyntaf yng Nghastell Aberteifi ym 1176, dychwelodd yr Arglwydd Rhys i galon y dathliadau 850 mlynedd yn ddiweddarach trwy byped enfawr pum metr ysblennydd.

Wedi'i greu gan Small World Byd Bach bach a'i gefnogi drwy a***n y Loteri Genedlaethol, daeth y prosiect â stori gwreiddiau'r Eisteddfod i gymunedau ledled Cymru. 🌟

Mae’r pybed wedi treulio'r haf yn teithio'r dirwedd a lywodraethwyd unwaith gan Arglwydd Rhys ei hun.

Gan ddechrau wrth ei fedd yn Eglwys Gadeiriol Tyddewi ym mis Mehefin, teithiodd drwy Sir Benfro, Sir Gaerfyrddin a Cheredigion, gan ddenu miloedd o bobl i strydoedd gorllewin Cymru cyn dychwelyd i Gastell Aberteifi am ddiwrnod llawn o dathliadau. 🎉

Gwnaeth y pyped ei ymddangosiad olaf yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, gan stopio wrth stondin Y Loteri Genedlaethol i ffarwelio olaf.

06/08/2026