Save Portland Coastal Strip

A Unique Island on the Jurassic Coast

Portland is a unique island linked by a causeway to the Dorset mainland. To most people, Dorset conjures up images of unspoiled tranquillity. Its 'Jurassic Coast' is world-famous as one of the most beautiful parts of England.

A Terrible Cost

Portland is the home of Portland stone, used in some of the most eminent buildings in the country. What is perhaps less well-known is the terrible cost in lives and in environmental damage due to stone extraction on Portland.

A "Gentleman's Agreement"

These days Portland stone employs few people; the remaining quarrying possibilities are limited. For many years, the most prominent quarry firm, Hanson's, seem to have had a "gentleman's agreement" not to exercise old mineral rights for further quarrying.

A Local Developer…

Recently however, Hanson's sold quarrying permissions to another company, Stone Firms Ltd. Stone Firms has declared its intention to quarry an area called 'the coastal strip', from Southwell Village to Portland Bill. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty, viewed by many thousands of visitors to the Bill, each year.

Can this Coast Really be Destroyed? Yes!!!

Everybody who knows Portland is aghast at the thought that this precious coastline should be destroyed.
There is no argument that quarrying would devastate the entire area, affecting unique habitats, rare archaeology and the future of local tourism.

However many people still believe that it enjoys protected status and "quarrying just won't happen."

The 1951 Legislation Still Applies Today

Permission to quarry this land was granted in 1951. Back then, there was a great need for stone for post-war repairs. Controls were minimal and little (or no) thought was given to conservation.

That 1951 legislation, from a different time, a different world, still applies today.

It's Almost Too Late

As the 1951 permission is existing, Stone Firms has absolutely no obligation to notify the public before they start.

In fact, Stone Firms has told Dorset County Council that it intends starting quarrying in May 2008. It's almost too late.

The 'coastal strip', by Southwell Village
Tranquil, unspoilt, enjoyed by all…

What Stone Quarrying Does to Portland


Part of Coombfield Quarry, by Southwell Village, owned by Stone Firms Ltd
(About a quarter of a mile away from the previous picture.)

Help Us - Right Now!!!

We need your help - right now! To stop this from happening, central government must be lobbied for a solution to this problem.

If we don't act now, this precious coast will be ruined - forever.

Click the big red button to sign the E-Petition

Thank You For Your Help

Thank you for your help. Your vote may be the one that makes the difference. Right now, we just don't know. But we do know that if we all do nothing, something terrible will happen.

If You Want to Be Kept Informed

For further information please contact:
Southwell Action Team (SAT) at mimariposa@hotmail.co.uk