We want to ensure Leeds Castle continues to be relevant to Kent and our local community. We have always been woven firmly into the lives of many Kent residents, including those who give up their time to support gardening and falconry teams, facilitate school visits, welcome day visitors and support special events.
Volunteering is a key part of our community engagement and we are committed to doing more, including creating exciting new opportunities to be part of our vital work protecting and showcasing this historic place.
We’re also looking at ways to make Leeds Castle more accessible so that people with diverse mobility and sensory needs can enjoy their time with us to the fullest.
Safeguarding heritage skills
We aim to address the skills gap in heritage, focusing on inspiring potential stone masons in a hands-on way.
In October last year, Leeds Castle hosted the first Paye School Engagement Day. This showcased a live example of a building a stonemason would typically work on.
The Lenham School sent eager students to learn about stonemasonry, giving them hands-on experience in carving stones. The day was memorable and filled with positivity and promise, and we plan to repeat it to help address the shortage of skilled workers in heritage.
