Historic site on Portland saved thanks to restoration efforts

Historic England has announced that High Angle Battery, a cherished historic site on Portland, has been officially removed from its Heritage at Risk register.  This remarkable achievement is the result of the dedicated efforts of the Rediscovering High Angle Battery project, which is revitalising this locally treasured landmark.

High Angle Battery was built over a century ago to help defend Portland Harbour against invasion.  However, over time the site has fallen into disrepair and in 2022 its outdated interpretation panels, graffiti, and heritage damage led to it being placed on the Heritage at Risk register.

Dorset Council has since set up a project to rejuvenate the site and help tell its story to a wider audience, thanks to a grant of nearly £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and additional funding from Portland Town Council, Castletown D-Day Centre, and the Fine Family Foundation.

The project has received overwhelming community support and has already resulted in significant improvements being made to the site.  A timeline of the battery’s transformation can be found on the Dorset Council website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/rediscovering-high-angle-battery.

Councillor Rob Hughes, a ward member for Portland and member of the Rediscovering High Angle Battery project team, said:

“I’m thrilled to hear that efforts to restore this locally loved site are paying off and I would like to thank all the council officers, local organisations, volunteers, and residents who have helped bring this exciting project to life.

“From expressing their views on what should happen on the site, to providing information on its history and helping with scrub clearance, the community has been a driving force behind the project.

“Local people have always felt pride in High Angle Battery, and we hope this project will not only help improve understanding and appreciation of the site but also lead to even greater interest in the unique history and environment of Portland.” 

The exciting improvements to the site are well underway, with a focus on celebrating its rich heritage, enhancing biodiversity, and improving access. This work is set to be completed by next summer and will feature comprehensive on-site interpretation, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the battery’s historical significance and its past uses.

Once finished, the battery will become a valuable community asset, regularly hosting a variety of events, tours and school visits.  Portland-based arts organisation, b-side, is already developing an exciting line-up of events for 2025, promising visitors a series of fun and engaging experiences at the revitalized site.

More information on the project can be found on the Dorset Council website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/rediscovering-high-angle-battery.