Huge artwork unveiled at Whitby Abbey by Sir Tony Robinson

The 5,400 square metre Heritage Tree has been painted on the ground of Whitby Abbey by land artist David Popa to mark the National Lottery’s 30th birthday.

Actor and broadcaster Sir Tony Robinson unveiled the artwork – the size of four Olympic swimming pools – today (Tuesday, October 1).

The huge artwork unveiled at Whitby Abbey to mark The National Lottery’s 30th birthday (Image: David Popa/The National Lottery)

It celebrates the achievements of those nominated for the National Lottery’s heritage ‘Game Changers’, celebrating the major impact of these people over its three decades of funding.

Those nominated by members of the public were: Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project; Arthur Torrington CBE, founder of the Windrush Foundation; Teresa Anderson MBE, director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement; Chantelle Lindsay, presenter, project officer with the London Wildlife Trust and advocate for diversity and inclusivity in wildlife; Sandy Bremner, convener for the National Parks Authority; Lisa Power MBE, trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ rights and Pride Cymru volunteer; and Heidi McIlvenny, project leader for Ulster Wildlife's Sea Deep initiative until June 2022.

(Back row) Arthur Torrington CBE, Sir Tim Smit, Sandy Bremner, Chantelle Lindsay, (front row) Teresa Anderson MBE, Lisa Power MBE, Sir Tony Robinson, Heidi McIlvenny (Image: James Speakman/PA Media Assignments) They were selected as examples of inspiring individuals who developed and delivered National Lottery funded projects to preserve heritage and enhance science and the environment.

Twenty-eight Game Changers will be revealed in September and October at four installations which will focus on an area of National Lottery funding, including the arts and film, heritage, sport and community.

Artist David Popa puts the finishing touches on his 5,400 square meter land-art installation at Whitby Abbey (Image: James Speakman/PA Media Assignments) The final two Game Changers will be announced on The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash scheduled for broadcast on ITV on December 31.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive officer of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the Heritage Tree – Popa’s largest work to date – “honours seven of those extraordinary Game Changers and beautifully symbolises the deep roots and ever-growing impact of each, reflecting our shared ambition to strengthen heritage”.

Sir Tony Robinson at the unveiling in Whitby (Image: James Speakman/PA Media Assignments) “Our heritage is incredibly diverse, from archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to sweeping landscapes and rare wildlife,” she said.

“At the root of each part of our heritage are people. People who believe in the value of heritage, who dedicate their lives to preserving and enriching it for all to enjoy, people who are game changers for heritage."

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Sir Tony Robinson said: “Given the hugely important work of all seven, I am deeply honoured to support The National Lottery’s celebration of these extraordinary people.

"Across the spectrum of our heritage and conservation, the impact of the causes and projects championed by these Game Changers is evident – and the role The National Lottery has played in making this possible has been vital.

“I’m proud to help celebrate their 30th birthday in such a meaningful way."