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As the lead Activity Planning Consultant for the Abbey of St Edmund project in Bury St Edmunds, I have been responsible for shaping a multi-year engagement strategy for one of England’s most significant ecclesiastical heritage sites. The project is a large-scale collaborative initiative between English Heritage, West Suffolk Council, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, and the Heritage Partnership, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF).

My role focuses on developing a comprehensive Activity Plan and long-term operational strategy to ensure inclusive, accessible, and sustainable community participation across the site’s three core areas: the Abbey Ruins, Abbey Gardens, and St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

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Key areas of work include:

• Designing and leading creative consultation processes with underrepresented communities, particularly young people, individuals with mental health challenges, and people from areas of deprivation.

• Building strong, authentic relationships with local stakeholders, charities, youth networks, educational institutions, and statutory bodies.

• Coordinating initial engagement across a wide partner network, including over 40+ heritage, education, arts, health and wellbeing, biodiversity and youth organisations.

• Developing a programme of 56+ proposed activities, ranging from accessible tours and sensory experiences to music, dance, creative arts, and biodiversity initiatives – all rooted in the rich heritage of the site.

• Advising on volunteering pathways, learning progression routes, and skills development to embed opportunities for long-term community growth and connection.

• Working closely with cathedral teams and site partners to align activity delivery with strategic educational, ecological, and cultural objectives.

This work is grounded in values of co-creation, inclusivity, and legacy, ensuring that the Abbey project reflects the voices, stories, and aspirations of the local community while strengthening Bury St Edmunds as a regional heritage destination.