FINGERPOSTS are a common feature of the Dorset countryside – and their design is thought to be unique, according to the South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership which has a project to refurbish these special signs.

The fingerposts contribute to the character of the area but their numbers have fallen in recent years and many are in need of extensive repair and restoration.

Of approximately 1285 fingerposts thought to exist in Dorset in the 1950s only 717 are believed to remain today, with about 30 in the South Dorset Ridgeway area.

The Dorset Fingerpost Project is a campaign created by Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to encourage residents, communities and businesses to restore the signs.

As part of the South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership (SDRLP) (a Dorset AONB project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund) volunteers are being invited to help to refurbish all of the fingerposts in the partnership area.  There are lots of letters that need to be fettled, drilled and painted. The partnership team will provide tools but volunteers need to have a workbench and vice.

For more information, telephone 01305 225223 or visit www.southdorsetridgeway.org.uk

Pictured: A fingerpost near Preston, before and after restoration.