Helping you plan and deliver unforgettable heritage experiences.

Since becoming a freelance consultant in 2002, I have supported more than 150 organisations and community groups to develop and deliver engaging visitor experiences at natural and cultural heritage sites of all shapes and sizes across the UK and Ireland.

How I can help you

I can work with you to imagine a new heritage experience, relaunch an old favourite or test the success of your latest project. 

Whether you need a critical friend, some heritage training, engagement ideas, a full interpretation strategy or your vision delivered, I can help. 

I offer the following services:

  • Interpretation and visitor experience plans – helping you to set out a vision and actions for your heritage project and to support funding bids
  • Activity and audience development plans – ensuring your heritage project engages diverse audiences from planning to delivery and beyond
  • Project development and captivating content – turning your vision into an exciting and achievable reality
  • Evaluating heritage experiences – identifying your aims and outcomes and reviewing your progress and potential  
  • Training and mentoring – sharing more than 25 years of heritage engagement experience to help build your skills and develop your ideas

Not sure what you need? Just give me a call!

St Aidan’s Church, Bamburgh in Northumberland. I prepared an interpretation plan that helped secure NLHF funding and, with Bright, delivered an award-winning experience in the historic crypt.
I work with some wonderfully creative colleagues, putting together bespoke teams to meet my clients’ needs – whether you need a single leaflet or a landscape strategy.

“It has been a pleasure working with Jo.  From the very start, her ability to assess, inspire, develop and create was clear.  She is highly organised, professional, efficient and delivered everything on time – even with a very tight schedule!  She turned up early, stayed late and got (a brilliant) job done.  I admire her ability to condense a massive amount to manageable levels and her attention to detail is incredible.  Most of all though, she is fun to be with – I wish I had a Jo in every job I work on, I have so enjoyed working with her.”

Sally Brewis, Project Officer, Out of Town Museum
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Where I work

My projects have included a host of cultural and natural heritage initiatives, from visitor centres, museums and historic buildings to gardens, parks, geological sites, forests and landscapes.

I have carried out strategic planning, project development and implementation for clients across the UK and Ireland.

My clients include Durham Cathedral, The Royal Parks, Northumberland Coast AONB, Forestry & Land Scotland, Bailiffgate Museum, Environment Agency, Land of Iron, National Trust for Scotland, Tweed Forum, Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Inspired North East.  


Museums


Landscapes


Historic
buildings


Communities

“I have been utterly impressed by the quality of your work. A Company of Pleasures is one of the best exhibitions we’ve had at the Museum. Thank you so much.”

Anne Jennings, Director, Museum of Garden History

How I work

I specialise in working with you to plan, develop and deliver great visitor experiences and engaging heritage interpretation. It’s all about communication and collaboration (and cake, ideally!)

Whether you are a small community group or a large heritage organisation, I can bring a fresh pair of eyes and decades of experience to your site or project.

I can offer you one-to-one for specific support, mentoring or team training or you can commission me to deliver a full plan, project or evaluation.  I often collaborate with specialist associates and design colleagues, and can draw together a bespoke team if required to deliver the particular outputs you need.

Project Planning

Project Delivery

Training & mentoring

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In safe hands

I’m delighted to have collaborated with clients and colleagues on many successful projects across the UK and Ireland.

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150 +

Projects delivered

25 +

Years of experience

150 +

Satisfied clients

£millions

Project funding raised

Guisborough Town Hall volunteers learning all about archives conservation: a workshop delivered as part of the restoration project’s Activity Plan

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Who I am

I am an experienced and approachable freelance consultant who is passionate about telling great stories about our heritage. 

For over 25 years I have been helping to find exciting, inspiring and cost-effective ways to engage local people, visitors and volunteers more effectively with special places, collections and stories like yours. 

I can help you make a positive difference for your place and your community.  I am proud to have worked with my clients on heritage projects that have:

  • Attracted and engaged new and different audiences
  • Built stronger communities of place and interest
  • Successfully attracted funding and sector support
  • Ensured the future of historic buildings, collections and significant landscapes
  • Built the skills and confidence of community groups, volunteers and staff
  • Developed and cemented partnerships
  • Pushed the boundaries of heritage engagement and interpretation

The projects I work on have also been recognised by my peers and the public, winning awards and accolades.

OOT & ABOOT touring exhibition is Highly Commended by AHI’s Engaging People Awards 2023.
Getting hands on: working creatively with community groups to explore opportunities to engage new and different visitors.

I’m here to help you tell your heritage story.