Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses to feature in BBC Two’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust
Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses in Staffordshire are set to take centre stage in the latest series of Hidden Treasures of the National Trust from BBC Arts, as the popular series returns with another look behind the scenes at some of the most remarkable historic places in the National Trust’s care.
Now available on BBC iPlayer, the episode reveals the fascinating stories and conservation work taking place at Kinver Edge, where a row of extraordinary houses carved into the sandstone rock remained family homes until the 1960s.
The programme follows National Trust teams as they install a salvaged historic range inside one of the Rock Houses, to finally bring back the true heart of this working class home and preserve the stories of the families who once lived there.
Alongside the work inside the cottages, viewers will also see the efforts underway to conserve the rare heathland habitat that runs along the sandstone ridge at Kinver Edge, home to important wildlife and one of the last remaining areas of lowland heath in the Midlands.
The episode focuses on the lives of ordinary working people and the dedication of the staff, volunteers and specialist conservators caring for these places and collections for future generations.
Claire Hale, Visitor Experience Manager at Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses, said: “We’re thrilled that Kinver Edge is featuring in this series. The Rock Houses are unlike anywhere else in the country and the programme beautifully captures both their unique history and the work taking place to care for them and the surrounding landscape.
“We hope viewers will enjoy discovering more about the people who lived here and be inspired to visit and explore Kinver Edge for themselves.”
The Rock Houses are among the last surviving cave dwellings in Britain and have been carefully restored to reflect life in the Victorian era. Today, visitors can explore the restored cottages, woodland walks and heathland trails across Kinver Edge.
Watch Hidden Treasures of the National Trust this Friday 12 June at 9pm on BBC 2 or watch now on BBC iPlayer:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/