A YEAR after fundraising began, generous public support has raised £500,000 to help bolster Castle Drogo against torrential rainfall.

In February 2011, a fundraising target to raise £1.5 million to save the castle was launched. Just one year later, a third of that total has now been raised.

The castle has suffered from major structural problems since it was built and these have resulted in serious leaks and water penetration throughout the building.

If extensive conservation is not undertaken, the castle will become inaccessible and the beautiful National Trust property will be lost forever.

The campaign to save the property has been supported by author, broadcaster and designer Kevin McCloud, who recently visited the property.

He said: 'Castle Drogo dominates and alters the ragged skyline of the surrounding moors as a triumphant man-made tor or crag, a symbol of mankind's ability to withstand the forces of nature. 

'Sadly, those forces are now seriously battering Drogo. The National Trust's work to make Castle Drogo watertight is vital and I'm pleased to support their urgent campaign to secure this architectural masterpiece.' 

Rainwater penetrates through all the external stone-work and windows, so along with replacing the roof, the castle walls need to be repointed, the parapet taken down and rebuilt and 913 windows taken out and refurbished.

Throughout the painstaking work, the castle interior will be protected as much as possible.

The gargantuan task requires between 650 and 750 tonnes of granite to be removed so that the waterproofing system can be installed, with pipes to be built into the walls of the castle.

Roof gullies will also need to be redesigned to accommodate the heavier rainfalls and torrential downpours that are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming.

Despite the works, Castle Drogo is ready to welcome visitors for its new season, having opened again last weekend.

Throughout 2012 visitors will be able to continue to explore the castle and its grounds. Intrepid visitors can take part in 'Design for Life' tours which lead around otherwise closed parts of the castle, including the roof. The tours will also show how the planned works will fit into the castle architecture.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Save Drogo appeal can be made at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/savedrogo">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/savedrogo

The property has more than123,000 visitors each year. To help welcome these visitors, the National Trust needs new volunteers to join the team. Specially needed are volunteers in the shop and café, and to act as room guides.

To find out more please contact Kim Jones on 01647 434114 or email [email protected]">[email protected]