RESTORATION works to preserve the beauty and heritage of Hardy’s Monument and the surrounding heath will soon start.

The plans have been published by Dorset County Council for areas of heath and grassland around the monument, known as Blackdown, following a year’s consultation.

Blackdown lies within the Dorset AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), at the highest point of the 17-mile South Dorset Ridgeway.

The site is of considerable national and international importance for its biodiversity and archaeology, plus local history and heritage.

It is dominated by the 72-foot-high Hardy Monument, which is owned by the National Trust.

The monument was built from Portland stone in 1844, in memory of naval commander, Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, who lived nearby in Portesham.

Last year, 117 hectares at Blackdown were purchased by Dorset County Council with the support of Natural England, Dorset AONB, Patsy Wood Trust and West Dorset District Council.

Dorset Countryside, the county council’s ranger service, manages the site and is keen to promote public access and recreation.

Area Ranger, Lawrence Weston said: “Blackdown is a fantastic place to visit all year round.

“There is the heathland – wild and exposed, and the woodland – sheltered and mysterious.

“The site is scattered with archae-ology, reminding us of times long past and all of this is set in a stunning landscape, that commands views over much of West Dorset to the coast.”

The consultation, which involved stakeholders and local communities resulted in the management plans which are now available for public feedback.

The aim of the plan is to protect and enhance the existing area of heath, ensuring the long-term sustainability of local species while restoring areas lost through large-scale tree planting.

A county council spokesman said it is also committed to maintaining significant amounts of woodland which will be managed for biodiversity and timber production, with the long-term aim of transformation to native broadleaf woodland.

Copies are available at Dorchester Library or by calling 01305 251000.