Paper short abstract:

This paper analyses in-depth ethnographic interviews with in-migrants to the northern uplands of England. It examines engagement with heritage as a leisure activity that develops identity capital and social capital for migrants, supporting the components of identity that create a sense of place

Paper long abstract:

In the rural northern uplands of England, the dearth of employment combines with rising property prices to drive the young away. In contrast, the region's wilderness charm attracts wealthier urbanites that can better afford the prices local property commands. In particular the rural lifestyle appeals to older migrants who choose to retire to the region. In the North Pennines region such migrants are engaging with the area's cultural heritage through leisure and volunteer activity. Through analysis of in-depth, ethnographic interviews conducted with some 28 residents, this paper explores the nature of engagement with heritage as leisure. Drawing on debates within the social sciences in the UK, it is possible to view in-migrants as 'elective belongers' making a choice in where to live and 'belong' (Savage et al., 2005). Engaging with heritage through local history societies and conservation projects, for example, allows in-migrants to develop a 'satisfactory account' of their choice in where to belong. Moreover, for retired migrants, their commitment can be viewed in terms of Stebbin's 'serious leisure' (2007) or as Orr's 'career volunteers' (2006). The interviews show clear evidence that social capital is developed, their leisure activities helping migrants to 'fit in' but moreover, they are also investing in what Côté has described as 'identity capital' (1996). This analysis draws parallels with views emerging from environmental psychology that sense of place manifests in the way supports facets of identity such as 'continuity', 'self esteem', 'self efficacy' and 'distinctiveness' (Twigger-Ross and Uzzell, 1996).