Five historic Dorset sites removed from at risk list

Hod Hill, Pilsdon Pen, Lambert’s Castle and Coney’s Castle, which are Iron Age hillforts in Dorset, have all been removed from Heritage England’s at risk register - along with a round barrow, a burial mound, near Hinton.

The initial four earthwork structures date back some 2,000 years and it is thanks to the efforts of volunteers, a £114,000 award from Historic England and the National Trust’s Hillforts and Habitats Project that the sites have been removed from the at risk list.

“The news that these wonderful places are now in fine condition is a great outcome for all those who have worked together to deliver the National Trust’s exemplar Hillforts and Habitats Project,” said Dr Martin Papworth, National Trust archaeologist.

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Wessex Hillforts. Bluebells carpet the earthwork ramparts at Coney's Castle, Dorset.Thanks to the National Trust's 'Hillforts and Habitats' project, four of Dorset's spectacular Iron Age hillforts have been restored. Hod Hill, Pilsdon

“Now visitors to Hod Hill, Pilsdon Pen, Coney’s and Lambert’s Castles can see and better appreciate the ancient qualities of these high fortress settlements while enjoying nature and panoramic landscapes that surround them.’’

The success of the project to improve the sites is due to the hard work of the ‘Hillfort Hero’ volunteers and rangers who conducted archaeological surveys and undertook grassland management and repair works to reverse previous damage that put them on the list.

National Trust Volunteer, Sue Hillier said: “The joy of the hillforts comes from being with like minded people in such special places with spectacular views, hearing the skylarks, admiring the cowslips and feeling we are doing something worthwhile.’’

Volunteers and rangers - known as Hillfort Heroes - worked together to carry out condition monitoring surveys, clear scrub and rough grassland and repair erosion. Picture: National Trust

While five sites were removed from the list six in Dorset were added, of which four with bowl barrows, a type of burial mound, and Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth.

Two of the bowl barrows are located near Whitefriars Broiler Houses, Winterbourne Abbas and the other two near North Down Barn, Winterborne Kingston.

While the artillery foot constructed under King Henry VIII’s reign, Sandsfoot Castle in Weymouth, was also added to the at risk list as the landmark continues to deteriorate.

In total, 77 sites were removed from the list by Historic England, while 31 were added across the South West alone in 2021.

Nationally 233 were removed and 130 added across the whole of the UK.

Historic England has spent £1.49m in grants across the South West in a bid to help some of the landmarks on the register, but across the region 1,409 entries still remain on the at risk list.

Weymouth's Sandsfoot Castle is now at risk

Ross Simmonds, acting regional director at Historic England, said: “Our heritage is an anchor for us all in testing times. Despite the challenges we have all faced recently, this year’s Heritage at Risk Register demonstrates that looking after and investing in our historic places can contribute to the country’s economic recovery, bring communities together and help tackle climate change.

“The 77 sites saved this year in the South West, and the many examples of great progress made in 2021, show what’s possible with strong partnerships, dedicated individuals and funding support. But there is always more to do to give our cherished historic places the attention, investment and secure future they deserve.”

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