Volunteer with Flax Forward
From Land to Linen and Beyond. The story of a plant, a town and a landscape
Flax Forward is a community‑led heritage project exploring the long and largely untold story of flax in Bridport and the surrounding parishes. For over 1,000 years flax shaped this area’s landscape, economy and identity — yet much of this history is hidden or at risk of being lost.
We are inviting people from the local community to join the project as volunteer researchers and participants. You don’t need any previous experience — training, guidance and support are all provided.
Volunteers will have opportunities to:
– Learn heritage research and oral history skills
– Explore museum archives and unseen collections
– Visit landscapes and sites linked to flax growing and processing
– Gain practical experience in flax growing, harvesting and craft
– Take part in the Bridport Linen Dress Project
– Support exhibitions, events, a heritage map and walking trail
– Work alongside artists creating film, photography, writing and podcasts
Volunteer recruitment takes place in May, followed by a flexible programme of research, training, practical skills and community events from June to December. Expenses are covered, and involvement can be shaped around your availability.
This project is ideal if you’re curious, keen to learn, and interested in becoming more connected to the place you live.
How to Apply
To apply please fill in this online application form: Apply to Volunteer with Flax Forward
For more information or any questions email: jess.huffman@wessexca.co.uk
Bursaries
To help remove barriers to participation, Flax Forward is offering up to 3 bursaries for young people (aged 30 or under). Each bursary provides up to £500 to support involvement — for example, by enabling participation alongside study, training, development or work practice, or supporting someone who wouldn’t usually be able to volunteer on a heritage and craft project like this.
Bursary‑supported volunteers will join the Flax Forward programme June–December, which includes training, support and expenses, plus opportunities to build skills and experience through heritage research, oral history, museum collections work, mapping, practical flax activities, and public events.
Bursaries available include:
– 2 bursaries for volunteering on the research (gain knowledge and skills in heritage research, oral history, museum/archive work, mapping and documentation)
– 1 bursary for volunteering on the Bridport Linen Dress Project with the Bridport Regenerative Fashion team (gain practical, transferable textile and making skills, particularly relevant to sustainable fashion, craft training, and creative practice)
How to apply: Complete the volunteer application form and select that you’d like to be considered for a bursary. In your application, tell us what you hope to gain, and how bursary support would help you take part.
The Flax Forward Project is made possible with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We have been able to fund this role thanks to National Lottery players.
For any questions contact:
david.dixon@wessexca.co.uk
To keep up to date with events and opportunities to get involved:
Partners
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