The National Trust Launches Fundraising Appeal to Save England's White Cliffs of Dover

SWINDON, England, July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The National Trust has launched a £1.2 million fundraising appeal in a bid to secure the long-term future of the world famous White Cliffs of Dover in Kent.  

The appeal is the charity's biggest ever coastal fundraiser and will help ensure that public access to the White Cliffs can be improved for future generations to enjoy.

It will also mean that this much-loved stretch of Kent coastline can be cared for in a way that will improve its habitat for local wildlife.

If the appeal is successful, the most iconic stretch of the White Cliffs - the 1.35km (just under one mile) sweep overlooking the port of Dover - will be looked after and managed for the benefit of the public and for wildlife.  

It will complete the missing link of coastline under National Trust care, uniting a stretch of more than 7km (nearly 5 miles) between the Trust's visitor centre and South Foreland lighthouse.

Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, said: "Immortalised in song and literature, the White Cliffs of Dover have become one the great symbols of our nation. 

"We now have a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure their future for everyone to enjoy. 

"If we don't raise the money then the future of the White Cliffs is uncertain and this stretch of coastline might one day be disrupted by inappropriate management or development."

Standing proud at over 110 metres (taller than Big Ben or the same height as twenty-five London buses stacked on top of each other), the White Cliffs of Dover have witnessed many dramatic moments in England's history.

These include the arrival of the Romans and the welcome return of British armed forces after the evacuation of Dunkirk during the second-world war.

The cliffs are also home to a rich array of rich wildlife including the Adonis blue butterfly, rare coastal plants such as oxtongue broomrape and sea carrot, and birds including skylark, the only colony of Kittiwakes in Kent and peregrine falcons.

Historian and television presenter Dan Snow, who is supporting the appeal, added: "For me it's simple. The White Cliffs of Dover are one of the country's greatest and most iconic landmarks.

"When I heard that the National Trust had this opportunity to safeguard this crucial stretch of the Cliffs, I thought great.  

"It's brilliant that they have a chance to secure this important section of the cliffs, for ever, for everyone."

Hundreds of thousands of people come to visit the dramatic chalk cliffs every year to enjoy coast walks and take in the wonderful views across the English Channel.

The funds need to be raised by the end of the year to help acquire this piece of the Kent coast and help with the conservation and management of the whole White Cliffs of Dover.

People can make National Trust donations the following ways:

- Make a donation online at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/whitecliffsappeal and you can choose to have your name engraved on our virtual White Cliffs of Dover.

- Text a donation to support the appeal.  For example, if someone wanted to donate £5 they would need to text 'DOVR02 £5' to '70070'. The amount must be included in the text.

- Make a donation over the phone by calling 0844-800-1895.

About National Trust:

The National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 720 miles of coastline and hundreds of historic places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information on the charity's conservation work and ideas for great value family days out go to: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

PR Contact:
Mike Collins
Senior Press Officer
The National Trust
Heelis
Kemble Drive
Swindon
SN2 2NA
+44(0)1793-817708
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk