More local businesses are supporting Jurassic Coast projects by joining the Jurassic Coast Trust’s ‘Investing in the Future’ scheme. This scheme is where the business encourages visitors to make a donation to the Trust and all money raised goes towards projects which help educate people about this World Heritage Site, and help conserve it for future generations.
Projects include a state-of-the-art digital microscope at Charmouth Coast Heritage Centre, preparation of a skull from a very rare species of crocodile found in Swanage Bay, teaching for those with Special Needs, and beach cleans.
Supporters range from small bed and breakfast accommodation, to large holiday parks, and the most recent supporter is a public house. Anyone can support the Trust, either as a sponsor, a Friend or even a volunteer. To find out more visit www.jurassiccoasttrust.org
Funds raised from businesses in Swanage are being kept for a large project in Swanage so they will benefit directly from their commitment and their visitors will see first hand what their contribution has gone towards. If you are based in Swanage and would like to support, please call the Trust for more information.
When a supporter raises more than £1000 a year they can choose to fund one particular project in their locality. As a result, Dorset Coastal Cottages has provided a webcam at Durlston Country Park and this year is sponsoring the Quarr Project. Chiltern House bed and breakfast is providing education packs, also at Durlston Country Park, and Swanage Railway has funded two large Jurassic Coast interpretation boards, and will be producing children’s learning packs for use on their trains. Oakdown Holiday Park has sponsored a Jurassic Coast garden in Sidmouth with information about the Triassic period at this end of the World Heritage Site, and West Dorset Leisure Holidays has raised a magnificent £12,000. This is being spent on teacher training days for schools in the Bridport area where they attend workshops about the Jurassic Coast with learning materials such as fossil moulds which they can then use in the classrooms.
We would love to get some more support from other businesses offering caravan holidays. If you would like to show your appreciation of the Jurassic Coast, we would like to hear from you. Please call 01460 242780.
Nikki Greenleaf, Jurassic Coast Trust Executive Officer
