Funding boost to help conserve Dover landmark
The money will be used to protect the Western Heights
An historic Dover site has been given a funding boost to help preserve it for future generations.
The Western Heights, a series of forts on the town's western hilltop, have been awarded a grant of £149,000 by Historic England, which will be matched by Dover District Council.
The three-year project will support conservation and regeneration work and improve how the landmark - described as one of the most important and impressive fortifications in Britain - connects with the town and waterfront.
The capacity building grant will fund a project officer who will deliver a range of work including coordinating and increasing volunteering opportunities, building visitor numbers through promotion and events, and the creation of a ‘vision’ document for the Western Heights. They will work closely with the Western Heights Preservation Society to continue the positive progress made to date.
The Western Heights is an extensive site of national importance, including a scheduled monument, two listed buildings, a conservation area, a local nature reserve with protected species, and a wildlife site with important chalk grassland.
Alice Brockway, Development Advice Team Leader at Historic England, said:
"This grant will enable Dover District Council, their partners and local people to better understand, care for and enjoy the Western Heights - Dover’s second great fortress.
"This exciting project is the result of a shared vision to improve the area, provide better access, and celebrate this cherished place. We see this as an important step toward securing a long-term sustainable future for the fortress and making the most of Dover’s remarkable heritage.”
A Western Heights Preservation Society spokesperson said:
"This is such good news. The backing of Historic England and Dover District Council is so important to the work we are doing on the Heights.
"It will mean that we will be able to do so much more in partnership with them and with English Heritage."