Portland community launches fundraiser to save green space.

Campaigners on Portland are raising £60,000 to buy and protect France Quarry, with £22,000 pledged so far and a fundraising deadline of April 2026.

Campaigners on Portland have launched a community fundraiser to buy and protect a green space at France Quarry. The site sits in Easton and was once quarried for Portland stone before being reclaimed by nature. It is designated as a Local Wildlife Site of county importance and campaigners say it hosts many species, including some reported as critically endangered. The land became available after the owner died and executors offered a chance to buy a section on condition it be preserved for community benefit and public access. Current details: - Future Portland aims to raise £60,000 to purchase the land, with a target deadline of April 2026. - £22,000 has been pledged by community supporters so far, and the group plans to seek matching grant funding. - Around £5,000 is needed to complete pre-purchase work and surveys before a sale can proceed. - Future Portland says it will protect and enhance the site's biodiversity, retain and expand existing allotments, and maintain public access in ways that respect the quarry's natural environment. - The area was previously considered for development in the late 1970s and was shortlisted for allocation in October 2023, which was opposed by local residents and rejected by Portland Town Council. Summary: If the purchase is completed, the community intends the land to be preserved for biodiversity, allotments and public access. The group must raise £60,000 by April 2026; £22,000 has been pledged and they are pursuing grants and the roughly £5,000 needed for pre-purchase surveys. The outcome depends on whether the fundraising and required surveys are completed in time.