PLANS to recreate a lost Victorian landscape for modern visitors have been given a boost.

Durlston Country Park near Swanage has won support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund to restore and enhance its grounds.

The 320-acre country park, owned and managed by Dorset County Council, has passed the first stage in a bid for nearly £1 million from the HLF’s Parks for People programme.

This unlocks initial funding of £82,800 to develop the Durlston Pleasure Grounds project, which aims to revitalise the historic designed landscape for conservation and community benefit.

The council will apply for a full grant of £900,200 at a later date.

The project would see the creation of a unique Victorian landscape inspired by the vision of its creator, George Burt, which could lead to more jobs.

Councillor Peter Finney, the county council’s cabinet member for the environment, highways and infrastructure, said: “The Pleasure Grounds project will realise a Victorian vision for visitors and the local community.

"This will help secure a historic, wildlife-rich area for future generations.

"We will improve how the park can be used for recreation, training and creativity and help to promote physical and mental well-being through this fabulous place.”

Ali Tuckey, Durlston ranger and project leader, said: "This Parks for People grant takes us a big step closer to creating and maintaining a sustainable and inspiring landscape, which supports the community and is rich in history and wildlife.

“It will help make the Pleasure Grounds one of Dorset’s premier attractions for visitors of all kinds and we hope that the work we are planning would make George Burt proud.”

The support for Durlston Country comes as part of an announcement of £30.7million for 16 parks across the UK.

HLF’s chair Sir Peter Luff said: “It’s clear that our parks are important to us in countless ways – from physical and mental wellbeing to a connection with nature and our heritage.

"It’s also clear however that public parks must work in new ways to respond to the funding challenges they face and this investment, thanks to National Lottery players, will help them to do this."