English Heritage is carrying out essential conservation work to Bayard’s Cove Fort in Dartmouth.

The weather and the invasive weeds have taken their toll on the stones and the mortar of the fort, which has been a prominent feature in the harbour since the early 16th century.

Scaffolding over the fort has given a team of experts access to the upper walls of the fort.

The stone and mortar which has become loosened is being consolidated and the vegetation removed to ensure the fort is safe for visitors and protected for future generations. Work is underway now and will be completed later this month.

The project was made possible due to a donation from the Hadley Trust.

James Laver, English Heritage Project Manager said: “Caring for Bayard’s Cove Fort has some challenges.

“Its proximity to the river exposes it to constant assault from the weather and sea, which causes erosion and lamination of the sedimentary stones.

“This also encourages vegetation growth at high levels which loosens and breaks up the stones and mortar.

“With a generous donation from the Hadley Trust, we have been able to carry out vital tasks to ensure the Fort is safeguarded for the future, including vegetation removal and consolidation of the masonry around the parapet.”

Built to protect Dartmouth in the early 16th century, Bayard’s Cove Fort was the last line of defence if an enemy ship evaded the larger fortifications at Dartmouth Castle and Kingswear Castle.

Although it was never put to test by attack from the sea, the eleven gun ports watched over the estuary as Dartmouth town developed around it.

After a brief revival in the 1940s when the Fort was armed against the threat of German Invasion, it was bequeathed to the Dartmouth Trust and brought into the Guardianship of English Heritage in 1984.

The Fort is an important landmark in the town, visited by thousands of visitors each year who pass through the fort on a scenic walk between the town centre and Dartmouth Castle.

All the work being undertaken forms part of an impressive programme of conservation work. This year alone the conservation charity will spend around £1.9million on wall repairs and weed removal at sites across the country.