Welcome to Endangered British: Celebrating and Preserving Our Heritage
A Passion Project with Purpose
Endangered British is not an organization or a formal entity. It is a deeply personal endeavor by Ms Bella St John, who has taken it upon herself to explore the hidden gems of Britain’s heritage, and as best she can, with the help of her small team of Elves (virtual assistants to everyone else), has compiled this resource filled with information as well as the names and contact details of those still involved in British ‘heritage’, or what she calls, “Endangered British”.
Through her travels across the country, Bella visits places where time-honored crafts are still practiced, where native wildlife struggles to survive, where ancestral estate owners do all they can to preserve their family heritage, and where traditional experiences are maintained against the odds. Her mission is simple yet profound: to capture the essence of these endangered elements and share them with the world – and in the process, help keep them alive.
Capturing History Through Photography and Art
In addition to the compilation of this resource, Ms St John’s approach is both creative and compassionate. During her visits, she creates detailed photo portfolios that she gifts to the organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to preserve these aspects of British culture. These portfolios are not just beautiful collections of images—they can be used as tools for fundraising and raising awareness, helping these groups continue their invaluable work.
Occasionally, she takes one or more of these photographs and transforms them into paintings. These artworks, infused with her passion for history and preservation, are also gifted to the organizations, adding an artistic dimension to her support and providing them with unique pieces to aid in their fundraising and awareness efforts.
Obviously, there is a limit to what can be done by one person, but as Mahatma Ghandi famously said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Helping to Keep History Alive
At its core, ‘Endangered British’ is about awareness and action. Through the stories, photographs, and artworks shared on this site, we hope to inspire a deeper connection to Britain’s heritage.
Through the contact information, we hope you will reach out to one of the craftspeople on this list and maybe, for instance, purchase something hand-made instead of store-bought for that next special gift.
Whether you are discovering a forgotten craft, learning about a rare breed, or simply enjoying a piece of history through one of Ms St John’s paintings, you are becoming part of a broader effort to keep our history alive.
We invite you to explore the site, learn about the many facets of Britain’s heritage, and join us in supporting the people and places that are working to preserve it. Together, we can ensure that the rich history of Britain is not just remembered, but actively celebrated, “lived”, and preserved for future generations.
Thank you…
