Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund along with other partners, the four-year project has given Durlston’s unique Grade II-listed Historic Garden a new lease of life, restoring Victorian heritage, increasing its value for wildlife and the local community. Working alongside the rangers throughout, volunteers donated an incredible 27,223 hours to the project.
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At the celebration event, guests toured the Pleasure Grounds where Black Pines and exotic plants have been replanted, paths improved, over 1km of dry-stone walls rebuilt, the historic 'Egyptian Seat' restored admiring views of Old Harry Rocks and the Jurassic Coast. They tried the new 'Wild Play Trail' and learned about opportunities for accessible volunteering at the 'Everyone Needs a Shed!' project.
Ali Tuckey, Project Leader and Dorset Council Countryside Ranger, said: "Friends of Durlston, volunteers and the local community have done an incredible job giving this special landscape the love it deserves. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported this project and to the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making it possible!"
