Work is underway to install new and improved pathways at an important historical site on Portland - a surviving relic from the area's military past.

These improvements at the Verne High Angle Battery are part of a larger project to improve and preserve the site.

Built-in the 1890s to help defend the isle of Portland against invasion, the locally important site of High Angle Battery - also known as the Verne Quarry Battery - fell into a state of disrepair.

In 2022 its outdated interpretation panels and graffiti damage led to the site being placed on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register.

Dorset Echo:

As previously reported in the Echo, landowner Dorset Council secured just under £250,000 of funding from The National Heritage Fund to improve and preserve High Angle Battery, which is known locally as the 'ghost tunnels'.

The below-ground complex of buildings, tunnels and gun emplacements at the site was designed to give the military a concealed base from which shells could be fired onto ships attacking Portland Harbour below – aided by a complicated system to help the gunners locate marauding vessels.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "Work is underway on an exciting new project to rediscover the historically important site of High Angle Battery on Portland.

"New and improved pathways are being put in at the site this month. These new paths form part of a bigger project to improve the heritage of the battery and make it more accessible to local communities and visitors.

"The project has been made possible thanks to money from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Portland Town Council, the Castletown D-Day Centre, and the Fine Family Foundation."

From April, Tudor Rose will start work to repair the heritage at the site. From May to September 2025 events and activities are planned to take place.

Once the work has been completed, the battery will become a valuable local asset where events, tours and school visits will be carried out.

Last year it was said that a 'friends of' group will be set up to help with the long-term care of the site, which will be managed in partnership by Dorset Council and Portland Town Council.