The Island 2000 Trust will be delivering a new project worth over £63,000 after securing grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Vestas Technology UK.
Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players and donated by the local wind turbine technology firm, the project aims to conserve and enhance the historic cement kilns at Dodnor known as the Mummies’ Caves, and improve the nature reserve at Dodnor Creek.
Staff from Vestas will also be giving their time to help work on the project, which will be delivered throughout 2018.
The project will help people enjoy and access the nature reserve and the rich industrial heritage of the area, and especially to explore and record the delicate kiln structures, dating back to Victorian days, which were once a key part of the Isle of Wight’s industrial economy. There is an extraordinary tale to tell about mills, cement, renewable power, and nature.
Island 2000 CEO Graham Biss said:
“Cement is more interesting than you think! Our development phase has inspired local people and businesses who want to be part of this project to learn new skills, preserve heritage and tell their story. Alongside the kilns in our Gift to Nature reserve at Dodnor Creek we will improve access, and work to protect the wonderful wildlife of this special site.”
