St Nicholas’ Church, Arundel awarded £250,000 grant to restore roof and expand heritage outreach
St Nicholas’ Church, Arundel has been awarded a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to replace its failing south aisle roof and expand a programme of heritage and ecology projects involving local schools, community groups, parishioners and visitors.
Set on the edge of the South Downs National Park, the Grade I listed church is rich in both history and biodiversity, with a churchyard that supports a wide range of wildlife. The building, which dates from 1380, is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register because of significant roof damage that threatens the medieval structure.
The new project will enable essential repairs to prevent further water ingress and ensure that the church remains safe and usable. Alongside the restoration work, parish volunteers will help deliver a series of activities exploring the church’s heritage and natural environment. Plans include bat walks, moth recording, wildflower cataloguing, and discovering historic marks and materials within the building—all helping to engage more people with the church’s story and setting.
Canon David Twinley, Vicar of St Nicholas’ Church, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We are extremely grateful to National Lottery players for enabling vital work to protect the church building, while also allowing us to share the richness of our natural environment and the church’s place in the history of Arundel and the wider area.”
As part of the project, the church is also partnering with Lambeth Palace Library, the Norfolk Estate and Archive, Arundel Museum, Arundel Town Council and local schools to share resources and promote engagement with both the historic and ecological aspects of the site.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “St Nicholas’ is an important landmark for Arundel, rich in both history and biodiversity. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re delighted to support these vital repairs and help safeguard this remarkable building for future generations.”
With the 650th anniversary of the present building approaching in 2030, the parish hopes that by then the church will be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.
For more details about the restoration and community programme, visit stnicholas.uk/restoration