Natural England

Natural England is pleased to declare Durlston a National Nature Reserve today Friday 6 June.

The Reserve, managed by Dorset County Council, is one of the gems of the Dorset Coast with over a hundred hectares of beautiful coast and countryside. It has an amazing array of some the UK’s rarest wildlife, stunning views, spectacular geology, an unique Victorian heritage, a visitor centre and an award-winning café.

The designation is the first of its kind since Natural England was formed in October 2006. At the declaration ceremony today, Natural England’s Board Member Doug Hulyer, said, “This NNR designation carries one of the highest levels of conservation protection and recognises Durlston’s outstanding natural heritage and value both to the local community and to the nation” Dorset County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Hilary Cox said, “This is a tribute to the tremendous hard work that has gone into the site over the last thirty years but especially the recent focus on conservation. I would like to thank everyone who has played a part.”

Head Ranger Hamish Murray added, “Our strength has always been involving the community and trying to make enjoyment of nature and heritage available to everyone. We have over 700 members in our ‘Friends of Durlston’ group and welcome some 500 schools groups every year. This nature reserve designation marks the start of a bright new future with many exciting developments set for coming years.”

The declaration celebrations include the unveiling of a plaque by local MP Jim Knight before guests – including many friends and supporters from the last 30 years – are invited to join a short tour of the Reserve Durlston NNR and Natural England have agreed a Reserve Management Plan which will ensure the continued development of the Reserve as an inspirational, world-class visitor facility with the highest commitment to conservation, community involvement, sustainability and customer satisfaction.

Although newly designation as a NNR, Durlston has welcomed visitors over the past thirty years and is rich in wildlife with an outstanding range of species includes early spider orchid, early gentian, Adonis blue butterfly, Lulworth skipper, guillemot and peregrine falcon. Durlston’s geological interest also makes it a key part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. In the visitor’s centre you can find out more about the area and a daily log is kept of what has been seen. A recent addition to the centre is a live web cam which enables you to watch the daily lives of nesting guillemots and razorbills on the cliff face. Access the website at www.dorsetforyou.com/durlston.org.uk to find out more about the NNR, look up volunteering opportunities, book an educational trip or find out about guided walks and other activities.

Notes for Editor

1. The media are invited to attend the launch, please call 01929 424443 if you would like to attend as you will need a parking permit on the day. Estimated timings include short speeches from 11.30am with the plaque unveiling scheduled for 11.50am.

2. Images of the Reserve and some of the wildlife to be found there are available from Dot.isgrove@naturalengland.org.uk.

3. For more information about the event please contact head ranger Hamish Murray on 01929 424443 or countryside manager Terry Sweeney on 01305 225136.

4. National Nature Reserves are some of the very finest sites in England for wildlife and geology, and provide great opportunities for people to experience nature. They are carefully managed on behalf of the nation by Natural England or held by approved bodies such as Dorset County Council. This designation emphasises the importance of Durlston’s wildlife and helps to promote understanding of the site’s true value.

5. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. We promote access, and recreation and contribute to the way natural resources are managed so they can be enjoyed now and by future generations. For more information about our work please access our website at www.naturalengland.org.uk.

6. For more information about this press release please contact Dot Isgrove on 01823 281803 or 07880 784757.