Terracotta Balustrades – only 2 of the original 14 section remained, so to return the castle to its full glory the others had to be made to match following the traditional methods of terracotta casting. 6 have already been sponsored (£1000 each).
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Children’s and Educational items.
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The Geolab
The geology of Durlston Bay has truly global importance and is a key feature of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. This innovative display space is a major element in the refurbished Castle, using spectacular rocks and fossils to bring the fascinating 135 million year old story of Durlston to life.
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The Belvedere
Sponsored by the Friends of Durlston.
This elegant, spacious room, with its large windows on all sides and associated roof terrace, has a commanding position at the highest level of the Castle, providing some of the finest coastal views in Britain. The Belvedere will be open to the public so that visitors can enjoy the unique experience it offers. There are also opportunities for occasional private hire, exclusive evening events and dining.
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The Cinema
On the Exhibition level this is a multi-sensual room providing differing views and films about Durlston and beyond, including a fantastic four-screen ‘Round the Year at Durlston’ cinematic show.
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Exhibitions
The annual programme of changing Exhibitions within the Fine Foundation Gallery – combining static exhibits with talks, walks, activities, collaborative materials and associated events – some topics are Durlston Rocks!, Migration and Underwater Magic.
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Timeline
The new Timeline serpentine path that winds its way gently down from the car park to the Castle takes you on a journey through time, via stone monoliths and inscriptions carved and designed by artist Gary Breeze.
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Discovery Garden
An innovative and contemplative space, ideal for enjoying the stunning views. The garden includes the Walk of Words.
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Fine Foundation Gallery
Sponsored by the Fine Family Foundation,
A wonderful new build gallery space on the Exhibition level of the Castle, to be used for art exhibits, projections, and travelling and temporary exhibitions. Within the Exhibition programme are a few spaces, left to allow the gallery to be hired for conferences and wedding receptions.
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Durlston Reception
This will be the point of arrival for over 200,000 visitors per year. Dynamic, up-to-the-minute interpretation and displays will introduce visitors to Durlston’s ever-changing environment and wildlife, with live sounds and images beamed directly back from remote cameras on the Park.
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Wildlife Cameras
Transportable Wildlife cameras which can be used around the Park, for example in the meadows in the summer, by an owl roost in the autumn, or watching the adders in the spring. (approx £1,000).
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Access Improvements
Gates enable us to manage livestock and appropriate visitor access. They may be pedestrian, mobility vehicle or field gates to benefit both people and wildlife. An all-terrain Tramper buggy, to allow the less mobile to travel independently around the Park. Total cost £5000 (£4000 already donated).
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Renewable Energy
Including photovoltaic cells and energy production all at the new Learning Centre.
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Picnic Tables
Currently we are using recycled plastic Picnic Tables which are approximately £400. We hope to have opportunities for people to support stone and timber benches in the Avairies and on the coast path through the "Parks for People" project...watch this space. |