The Jurassic Coast Trust has just started on a new and exciting stage in its development having recently taken on the responsibility for looking after the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site.
Known to one and all as the Jurassic Coast, the Site stretches from Studland Bay in Dorset to Orcombe Point in Exmouth, East Devon and is England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Since being given this accolade by the UN’s Scientific, Cultural and Educational body UNESCO in 2001, leadership and management of the Site has been by Dorset and Devon County Councils, coordinated through a small team hosted in County Hall in Dorchester.
This 16-year period has seen the World Heritage Site maintained in great condition, the growth of a national and international brand, the redevelopment of existing and creation of new visitor centres and museums, and the delivery of a huge range of educational activities, all relating to the Jurassic Coast.
The Trust is an independent charity that aims to make the Jurassic Coast an even more meaningful and inspiring part of people’s lives and it is already supported by a range of local businesses and local Ambassadors who get behind its passionate commitment to the Coast.
Alex O’Dwyer, Vice Chair of the Jurassic Coast Trust, says, “The Jurassic Coast Trust is thrilled to be taking on responsibility for the management of this extraordinary World Heritage Site. Our work over the last few years, alongside the County Councils, has been to build understanding of the coast and engage people in it, so that they will care for it and cherish it. “
Hilary Cox, Chairman of Dorset County Council, said “The Jurassic Coast has done great things for the communities, and visitors, of Dorset and East Devon for many years and we look forward to supporting the Trust to grow and expand on our achievements.”
Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management at Devon County Council, added “We value the benefits that cross-border working has brought to both Devon and Dorset, and we are excited about taking the Jurassic Coast to the next stage under the Trust’s leadership.”
The Trust will be working coast-wide from its new base in Bridport. One of its early highlights is the collaboration with the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester to bring ‘Dippy’, the Natural History Museum’s iconic Diplodocus skeleton, to the Jurassic Coast. You can find out more about this and the work of the Trust at www.jurassiccoast.org.
For more information: Sam Rose, Chief Executive, The Jurassic Coast Trust, Mountfield, Rax Lane, Bridport, DT6 3JP 01308 800349 [email protected] https://jurassiccoast.org/