Jurassic Coast charity to shut down

The charity set up to conserve and promote the Jurassic Coast is to close down, it has announced.

The Jurassic Coast Trust (JCT) said it assessed its commercial activities and the effects of rising costs and concluded it was "unviable" to continue.

Oversight of the Dorset and East Devon coast's World Heritage site status will move into the control of Dorset Council and Devon County Council.

The charity announced in February 2024 that it hoped to build a museum and visitor centre in Weymouth but its former chief executive left in the autumn.

The JCT's current interim chief executive, Luke Rake, said its trustees remain committed to ensuring that the Jurassic Coast's World Heritage status is maintained.

"The Jurassic Coast is the only natural World Heritage site in England and rightly deserves its recognition as being of international significance," he said.

"Sadly, despite excellent work of the staff in promoting the benefits and palaeontology of the area, and productive partnerships with research universities, local museums and businesses, the financial position of the trust means it is unviable to continue in its current form."

Dorset Council's leader Nick Ireland said the JCT and local authorities were working to ensure a "smooth transition of the World Heritage site back to both councils."

Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's deputy leader, said both authorities have a "strong working relationship".

"I'm certain that together we can build on the work of the trust to focus on improving education and awareness of the Jurassic Coast's prestigious status and we will ensure that this unique stretch of coastline is looked after for future generations," she added.

The spectacular Jurassic Coast extends for 95 miles (150km) along the Dorset and East Devon coastline and was given Unesco World Heritage status in 2001 in recognition of its geological importance.

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