AN AREA of heathland beneath one of Dorset’s most iconic monuments has been secured by the National Trust for lovers of the coast to enjoy.

The National Trust is celebrating 50 years of its coastal fundraising campaign and has made its first coastal acquisition in the South West this year by securing 23 acres of Black Down heathland below Hardy’s Monument.

The Trust has been caring for the monument itself, which was built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, for the last 77 years.

Now, following a bequest and support from the Patsy Wood Trust, it has been able to extend the land to include the car park and surrounding heathland.

Helen Mann, National Trust general manager for West and North Dorset, said: “This acquisition of heathland not only marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trust Coast Campaign, but also creates another vital link in our on-going campaign to protect and share the South West coastline for ever, for everyone.

“We want to see a coast rich in wildlife and culture, with space for everyone to enjoy it.

“We now care for 300 miles of the south west coastline – one in every three miles – and we need your continued support to raise £1 million each year to realise this vital work.”

The heathland is described as having a strange, ‘moonscape’ nature due to its large swallow or shake holes, distinctive craters created by acidic rain dissolving the underlying chalk.

They are a distinctive feature of the area and have created microclimates with their own unique vegetation.

Simon Ford, South West wildlife and countryside advisor for the National Trust, said: “This wonderful heathland is swathed in heather, gorse and bilberry, and in summer is alive with butterflies – from holly blue and small copper to small heath and meadow brown.

“And the birdlife is equally enchanting – with stonechats, linnets and hovering kestrels, and at night the rattling call of the nightjar.

“With careful management and by working in partnership we can protect the coastline, making it increasingly joined up and better for both wildlife and people.”

The National Trust is working in partnership with Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Natural England and Dorset County Council to manage the land at Hardy Monument, in conjunction with the South Dorset Ridgeway Partnership.

The Patsy Wood Trust gifted £50,000 to help the Trust acquire and manage the site into the future.