Open Air Learning: schools, education and the Whitworth Park Community, Archaeology and History Project.

This article reviews the engagement methods used as part of the Whitworth Park Community Archaeology and History Project, focusing in particular on the ways in which children and schools have been encouraged to explore and reflect upon the historic heritage on their doorsteps. Working with inner-city Manchester schools, we have developed and trialled novel methods for critical engagement with past lives, including artefact discovery, processing and analysis; poetry, drama and sculpture workshops; and historic document workshops (including use of contemporary postcards). These have proved effective in transforming children's knowledge of their local park's history whilst also uncovering ambivalent feelings about public spaces, and increasing their ambitions for green public space and associated amenities in the future.