Help the Jurassic Coast Trust make a new museum dedicated to the World Heritage Site a reality!

The Jurassic Coast Trust are calling for public support to catapult the development of a proposed new museum dedicated to the outstanding geology, palaeontology and geomorphology of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site with the launch of a crowdfunding campaign and benefit event in early 2023.

A delicate brittlestar fossil from the Jurassic Period that was collected and carefully prepared by David Sole. © David Sole

The collective vision for the museum is ‘To create an accessible, inclusive and thriving museum dedicated to public engagement with the Jurassic Coast’s unique geological and palaeontological heritage. A permanent collection representing the Site’s exceptional and spectacular fossil record will grow over time and drive ongoing specimen acquisition, conservation, research, varied exhibitions, education, outreach and partnership working. Taken together, these will embed the natural heritage of the Jurassic Coast as a valuable catalyst for the local economy and community participation in the continued sustainable management of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site.'

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN HERE

The Trust has an initial target of £20,000 which will allow for the completion of the feasibility study by March 2023 and enable us to engage with independent heritage consultants to provide clarity on where the museum would best deliver impact, attract diverse audiences and achieve economic viability.

During this time, the Trust aims to raise an extra £80,000 over the next 12 months for the continuation and completion of the development phase, which includes core collections work and audience engagement, so that the progress we have made does not stall in the face of reducing budgets and funding.

Looking east from Thorncombe Beacon on the Jurassic Coast. © Rebecca Johnson

Lucy Culkin, CEO of the Trust, describes this moment as the ‘crunch point’ of making a new museum a reality. She advises: ‘The Trust, our team and partners are heavily invested in making this museum happen. Over the last 3 years, we have dedicated capacity to move this work forward at a steady pace, evidencing our outcomes at every step with research and stakeholder consultation.

We are creating a feasibility study and expanded Development Plan which is achievable and investment ready for the future. However, to push this work over the line, we need to reach out to existing and new audiences for their support and encouragement so that we can confidently take the next steps and talk to funders about large scale support and capital funding.’

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN HERE

This work is led by Dr Chris Reedman of the Jurassic Coast Trust alongside a working group of key stakeholders, chaired by Professor Mike Benton of the University of Bristol. Through this group, we are grateful to have secured the support of leading academics from across the UK, representatives from the fossil collecting community, heritage organisations, museum professionals including from the Natural History Museum (London), and Natural England (UK Government Agency). 

Chris Reedman advises: 'We are very excited to have reached a stage where we can talk publicly about our developing plans and start gathering support to influence agencies who can make this museum a reality.

Although challenging at times, each and every step of this journey has been carefully considered to ensure that there is evidence to inform and support the decisions we make and to enable us to build a sustainable business case.

This new museum would allow us to share the remarkable geology, palaeontology and geomorphology of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site like never before - it could be transformational for this beautiful and special stretch of coastline.’

You can access the crowdfunding platform here. Register on our website for future updates and developments.