In December 2006 the Durlston Castle Project was earmarked £3.27 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund to help restore the Castle as the natural focus for visitors to Durlston Country Park near Swanage and the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. However, a further £1 million is needed to secure other major funding which has so far provided backing for this high profile project. This money must be found before the other major funders can be confirmed.

Much of the overall costs, estimated to be around £5.85 million, will be met by the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, along with other major contributions from the South West of England Regional Development Agency and Dorset County Council, but this is still not enough. The ‘Friends of Durlston' group and the Jurassic Coast Trust are taking a lead role to raise the extra money from a variety of sources and are looking to local people for support. Every contribution - however small - will be invaluable. With major funding already in the pipeline, every £1 that is contributed, will in effect, be worth over £5 to the project.

The acquisition of the Castle lease in 2003 provided the major catalyst for the Durlston Project. This impressive building, which was left by local stone merchant, George Burt is a unique legacy of the Victorian age at Durlston, along with the Great Globe. The Castle will become the central focus of Durlston and the main visitor centre. The restoration will enable the current visitor centre to be developed as an exciting Learning and Family Activity Centre and at the same time, great care will be taken to conserve and, where possible, enhance Durlston's superb natural heritage.

Hamish Murray, Dorset Countryside Head Ranger and Project Leader described the project as:

‘This is our one opportunity to restore and reuse Durlston Castle to help more people to learn about and enjoy the outstanding and internationally important wildlife and geology of Durlston. The next 12 months and the support of the individuals, businesses and organisations is critical to the success of this major project for Dorset'

Bill Oddie, presenter of the BBC's Springwatch programme, keen naturalist and birdwatcher says ‘I am pleased to give my support to such an exciting and worthwhile project'.

 How can you help?

There are many ways in which you can support Durlston Castle. These range from making a donation or leaving a legacy to sponsoring a specific item or creating a personal memento in the ‘Walk of Words'. To be more actively involved, there are plenty of opportunities for helping with fundraising or participating in September's big sponsored walk.

Download the  durlston_appeal_leaflet (476.77 Kb)

Find out more by visiting www.durlston.co.uk , ask at the Durlston Country Park Visitor Centre or telephone 01929 424443.

If you would simply like to make a donation to the project please make cheques payable to ‘Jurassic Coast Trust - Durlston Fund' or you can contribute on-line at www.durlston.co.uk