The Country Park was established in the 1970s by Dorset
County Council, and 30 years of careful management by the Ranger team
have resulted in a superb site that everyone can enjoy.
Durlston Castle was restored in 2011 to become a spectacular new facility for visitors to Durlston and the Jurassic Coast.
Durlston's special qualities stem from a combination of geography,
geology, history and careful management which has created a mosaic of
nationally important wildlife habitats: sea-cliffs, downs, ancient
meadows, hedgerows, woodland, and dry-stone walls each with their
characteristic plants and animals.
The history of Durlston can be detected in the now dry,
glacial river valley, the ancient Saxon field systems, two types of
quarry the inland Purbeck Stone Quarr, and the Portland limestone cliff
quarry known as Tilly Whim Caves.
High on the ridge remain the footings of a Napoleonic
telegraph station, and Anvil Point Lighthouse adds further interest to a
visit.
The eminent Victorian, George Burt, left a legacy of
fascinating artefacts. These include the 'Great Globe' 40 tons of
Portland limestone, cast-iron bollards from the City, St Martin's and
other parts of London, and Durlston Castle itself all linked by scenic
cliff-top paths with Victorian panels quoting poetry and facts of
interest.
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