'Hillfort Heroes' have helped save three ancient hillforts near Bridport.

Pilsdon Pen, Lambert's Castle and Coney's Castle - along with Hod Hill in the Blackmore Vale - have been removed from the Heritage at Risk register, thanks to the National Trust's Hillforts and Habitats project and an award of £114,000 from Historic England.

Hannah Jefferson, the National Trust's general manager for West Dorset, said: "The project has effectively challenged the way we look after our hillforts and set us on a sustainable path for the future.

"It is the fully funded hillfort management plans that underpin this process. A great success."

In total, as part of the project, 13 Iron Age hillforts and 332 hectares of archaeology and priority have been improved.

Ian Wilson, assistant director of operations for the National Trust in Dorset and Wiltshire, said: "The Wessex Hillforts and Habitats Project has achieved what it set out to do, to deliver a change in how we care for nature and history across Dorset and Wiltshire's hillforts sustainably, whilst also inspiring communities and volunteers to connect with heritage and nature."

The project has delivered:

• Thirteen hillforts in favourable condition for both archaeology and nature

• Hillfort conservation fully resourced in management plans

• Four hillforts - Hod Hill, Pilsdon Pen, Lambert's Castle and Coney's Castle - saved and removed from Heritage at Risk register

• Volunteer-led archaeology surveys every three years

• Online Dorset's hillforts visitor guide and Wessex hillforts visitor guide

Dr Martin Papworth, National Trust archaeologist, said: "The news that these wonderful places are now in fine condition is a great outcome for all those who have worked together to deliver the National Trust's exemplar Hillforts and Habitats Project.

"Now visitors to Hod, Pilsdon Pen, Coney's and Lambert's castles can see and better appreciate the ancient qualities of these high fortress settlements while enjoying nature and panoramic landscapes that surround them."

Marie McLeish, National Trust project manager, said: "The project has been a challenge to develop and deliver. Its success is due to the hard work and commitment of volunteers and ranger teams. As a result, heritage has been saved and conserved, while conditions for nature to thrive has markedly improved.

"Our partner Historic England is delighted with the outcomes."

Volunteers are instrumental to much of the National Trust's work.

Ruth Worsley, volunteering and community involvement officer for the National Trust, said: "A huge thank you to all of our volunteers, staff and partners who are working hard to help nature thrive, whilst looking after these sites of important archaeological interest, for everyone to enjoy."

Sue Hillier, National Trust volunteer, said: "The joy comes from being with likeminded people in such special places with spectacular views, hearing the skylarks, admiring the cowslips and feeling we are doing something worthwhile."

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