UNESCO's World Heritage Status ranks the Dorset and East Devon coast amongst the most important natural sites in the world. The Status was awarded primarily for the coastline's geology, offering a geological timewalk through 185 million years of earth's history.

Popular for years with walkers, climbers, geologists, school groups, the area is a victim of its own success and, as DCV knows only too well, subject to an ongoing maintenance programme.

In a recent article in BTCV's Conserver magazine, Terry Sweeney, Dorset Countryside and Access Manager, and DCV's Chairman, explained how volunteers have made a valuable contribution to managing access along the coast. "For the last 25 years, Dorset's Countryside Ranger Service has accepted overall responsibility for managing access to the Dorset coast and volunteer groups such as BTCV and DCV have provided invaluable backup. The challenge now is to meet world class standards of coastal management to match the accolade of World Heritage status."

Speaking after a recent access project by the Fleet lagoon, Ranger John Hayes said, "We have always set high standards for management work, particularly on our fabulous coast patch.  BTCV and DCV volunteers have done us proud for many years, working with me and my colleagues to build the steps, stiles, bridges and boardwalks so much appreciated by our residents and tourists.  We all recognise we are under the world's gaze now, but if recent tasks are anything to go by, we'll certainly meet the quality standards expected of us."  John added, "I could show you some recently installed kissing gates that were completed with such pride and perfection, it almost seemed a shame to leave them to the mercy of the elements."

"Volunteers love working on this beautiful coast and the Rangers will continue to use their enthusiasm and teamwork in dozens of projects every year", added Terry Sweeney. "The Dorset and East Devon coast is now justifiably recognised for its universal value, but it would be a poorer place without the terrific contribution that all these volunteers have made over the years", concluded Terry.