The pleasure grounds at the Dorset Council run Durlston Country Park is getting a facelift thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Pleasure Grounds Project aims to restore and enhance Durlston’s Victorian landscape for people and nature and to make this stunning coastal location accessible to all.
Landscape contractors ID Verde will start work in October. They will improve path surfaces, install new seating and create accessible viewpoints. Planned work will retain the unique character of this special place, while making it easier to enjoy, especially for people with disabilities.
To allow work to take place safely, some of the paths in Durlston’s woodland and clifftop will be temporarily closed for a few weeks, but diversions will be in place. The rest of the 340-acre park and castle will remain open as usual.
Other work taking place this winter will include tree surgery to improve habitats and views, restoration of Victorian stonework and the creation of an accessible ‘wild play’ trail, along with new signage.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment , said:
“The new work will allow everyone to enjoy the wildlife, heritage and spectacular views Durlston has to offer”
Nicola Easdale from ID Verde, said:
“We are delighted to be working to help bring this special landscape back to life and help bring this special landscape back to life and help protect it’s heritage for the future.”
