Protecting the military heritage of frontline Britain

An exciting new project is helping to protect the military heritage of the South Foreland Valley at St Margaret's-at-Cliffe near Dover. The aim of the project is to maintain and restore some of the country's most important military heritage, and to increase public understanding of the significant role these buildings played in the defence of Britain during World War II.

The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership is delivering the project, as part of the Up on the Downs Landscape Partnership, a £2.5 million Heritage Lottery Funded project which aims to conserve and celebrate the landscape heritage of Dover and Folkestone.

The South Foreland Valley is the closest point of mainland Britain to the continent. As well as being of national and international importance for wildlife and conservation, the South Foreland Valley played a significant part in Britain's military history.

Whilst significant work has been undertaken to manage the chalk grassland of the South Foreland Valley for wildlife and to improve access for people, many of the military structures scattered throughout the area have been neglected over the years. These structures are, however, integral to the character of the area.

As part of the project, a survey will record and interpret these military structures, making the information widely available and accessible, and enabling a programme of works to be developed to make safe and protect this important military heritage.

As well as looking for volunteers to help with the survey, the project is also interested in hearing from people who can contribute old photographs or who can share their memories of living in the South Foreland Valley during World War II. The aim is to develop a unique Frontline Britain Trail telling the fascinating story of how the landscape of this corner of England became Britain's defender.

If you would like to get involved with the project, contact Kirk Alexander at the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership on 01304 241806 or 07885 599182 or by email at mail@whitecliffscountryside.org.uk.