FROM THE ICE AGE TO THE ICE AGE - A HERITAGE TRAIL

This is one of many Community Mobilisation Initiatives developed by Coast Alive partners. This one was done by the Municipality of Kragerø with local partners in Norway. It was aimed at increasing physical activity among the general public, increasing awareness of local historic sites and their importance, enhancing a sense of personal identity and roots and providing an outdoor activity for schools. One focus was on the Ice Age, including the history of ice production and export.

CMI PARTNER:

The municipality of Kragerø (Norway) working with the following partners: Kragerø and Skåtøy Historical Society, the Kragerø Hiking Association, Berg-Kragerø Museum, the Cultural Heritage Group in Kragerø, the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments (Telemark county group).

WHO WAS MEANT TO DO IT?

2009 was the Norwegian Official Heritage Year with Heritage trails listed as a priority area on the national levelfor the general public.  All people were targeted.

WHAT DID THEY DO?

The local partners all contributed financially to develop and implement this project.

An existing trail in Kragerø was developed which includes 9 cultural heritage sites from a different period in history.  One particular focus was the more recent history of ice production and export from the locality. 

A new self-guided trail to the sites, in chronological order, was created whereby walkers can ‘arrange’ the sites according to age – ‘from the Ice Age to the Ice Age’, from the oldest to the newest.

HOW DID THEY DO IT?

A trail was established and activities arranged at different times on the trail.  Partnership working included working with local museums, which facilitated common activities.  Volunteers helped to clear the trail.

A brochure was produced with information on cultural activities, the environment and care for the environment.  This was distributed to all the households and the tourist centre in the municipality of Kragerø and Bamble.

HOW MANY PARTICIPATED?

No data available

DID IT WORK?

This focus on history managed to get people to use the trail and it was felt the approach worked.

WAS IT SUCCESSFUL?

Schools were interested, including a group of students with special needs, such as children with autism.  They want to use the trail in their school programme.

Several organizations worked together and have established a forum with a focus on health, heritage and coast activities in the municipality.  The project will be further developed.  The project can appear to be inspiring for other coastal communities that want to try something similar.

OTHER POINTS?

The project received national publicity and attention and became a pilot project for the Norwegian Department of Environmental Issues.

Recognition of this importance of this initiative to the local community was demonstrated by the involvement of the local Rotary Club volunteers in helping to clear the trail.  This involvement is reported separately

 
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