£3m to safeguard haven

78 By Richard Cornwell

79 PURCHASING Orford Ness, the coastal shingle spit once used for atomic weapons research and now a wildlife haven, will cost the National Trust £3.11 million, it was revealed yesterday.

80 Ministry of Defence officials are willing to sell the 1,548-acre site for £300,000, but the trust has to find nearly £3 million to guarantee the area's future. 81 The money is needed for staff costs in the years ahead, clearance work, projects to make buildings safe, and long-term maintenance.

82 County council chiefs believe the project is important both locally and nationally -- and propose the authority gives "substantial funds" to help, although it is not yet known how much. 83 Negotiations between the National Trust and MoD have been taking place for two years and have reached a critical stage.

84 Trust officials have secured much of the money they need -- the £3 million will be set aside in an endowment fund -- through the body's own resources, and donations from the Environment Department and Countryside Commission.

85 However, there is still a shortfall of £500,000 which has to be found before negotiations can be concluded.

86 Orford Ness is one of Britain's most unusual coastal features. 87 A nine-mile bleak shingle bank -- growing each year -- separating Orford from the sea. 88 Its main use has been military. 89 It was one of the first air bases in 1915, between the wars was used for gun and bomb testing, and from 1951 - 71 for atomic weapons research.

90 Today it is a haven for wildlife. 91 It features many rare plants, and extensive areas of mudflats, saltmarsh and grassland of botanical and ornithological value, with breeding sites for 8,000 lesser black backed gulls and 2,000 herring gulls.

92 The trust's aim is to protect Orford Ness in "as natural and wild state as practicable". 93 Historic buildings would stay but need much work to make them safe, while an "ugly legacy" of derelict property and fences require demolition, a major task. 94 Public access will be provided, and club-organised fishing and wildfowling.

95 In a report to the policy committee, county planning officer Edwin Barritt says purchase of the ness for conservation is a long-cherished aim, a very special opportunity and the Trust deserves as much help as possible.