English Heritage has received a £500,000 donation from Julia and Hans Rausing to fight the effects of coastal erosion on the heritage sites in its care. Last year, the charity warned that, as a result of accelerating coastal erosion, several of England’s most important coastal heritage sites are at risk of being lost forever and launched a multi-million-pound fundraising appeal to support their conservation work to help save them. The donation will support critical work to protect two properties: Tintagel Castle, Cornwall and Hurst Castle, Hampshire.

Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “Whilst erosion along England’s coastline is nothing new, climate change is accelerating the issues faced by our coastal heritage and poses a real risk to the future of certain sites. Thanks to Julia and Hans Rausing’s generous contribution to our fundraising appeal, as well as the donations received from thousands of members of the public, we can undertake vital conservation work and meet the challenge of coastal erosion head on. As a charity, the support of our visitors, Members and donors is crucial to the survival of the incredible historic sites in our care, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated.”

Julia and Hans Rausing added: “English Heritage performs a crucial role in preserving some of the finest historic buildings in the country, many of which are being put at risk by coastal erosion We are pleased to be supporting this important programme that protects these wonderful buildings for future generations to enjoy.”

English Heritage is working together with other leading heritage organisations from around the world to share knowledge and best practice about coastal erosion and climate change. The charity is a founding partner of the UK Heritage Adaptation Partnership, which aims to share expertise in tackling the impact of climate change on our historical sites and cultural heritage, and is also working with the World Monument Fund Britain on its Coastal Connections programme that brings specialists from across the globe together to share experience and support others facing similar risk. The charity has also secured Hurst Castle’s place on the 2022 World Monument List – a watch list of the 25 most important heritage sites at risk around the world.

In 2019, Julia and Hans Rausing partnered with English Heritage via a £2.5m donation  towards the new footbridge at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. The new bridge has significantly improved access to preserve and conserve Tintagel’s archaeology and ecology. The footbridge has since been awarded the RIBA South West Award 2021 and the inaugural Building Beauty Awards in 2022.

For more information on the Coastal Conservation Appeal or to make a donation, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/our-appeals/coast