Scattered across Bermuda are historical forts — silent sentinels that once protected our shores from foreign threats. These forts tell the story of Bermuda’s role as a strategic outpost in global conflicts over the centuries. And as the enemies changed — from Spanish to French to American — so did the forts. Some are perched high on hills; others tucked into coastal cliffs. All bearing witness to our island’s resilience.

Bermuda’s military fort history is unique. Unlike timber forts in other British colonies, which have vanished with time, ours still stand — built from stone, spanning four centuries and recognised as an essential part of our Unesco World Heritage Site designation. But their survival is no longer guaranteed.

Nature is slowly reclaiming these monuments. Casuarinas and Mexican pepper trees are pushing roots into mortar and stone. Once proud and visible, some forts have disappeared into tangled overgrowth — used as dumping grounds or targets for vandalism.

Without urgent attention, we risk losing this irreplaceable part of our heritage.

To meet this challenge, The St George's Foundation has led restoration projects powered by volunteers, professional masons and community partnerships. Through the removal of invasive growth, structural repairs and ongoing maintenance, we have brought renewed life to Fort Victoria, Fort Albert, Fort Cunningham and Fort William.

One highlight is the restoration of a gunpowder magazine at Ferry Point Park, supported by the Department of Culture’s apprenticeship programme. A master mason trained an apprentice in the traditional art of working with Bermuda stone, passing along crucial skills to the next generation while preserving history.

Education remains at the heart of our work. These restorations have created hands-on learning opportunities for students, residents and visitors. Through tours, school programmes and outreach events, people of all ages are connecting with Bermuda’s past in meaningful ways.

When we care for our history, we also create spaces for education, inspiration and national pride. Each restored site becomes a living classroom and a reminder of the importance of preserving what makes Bermuda unique.

Preserving our heritage is not a one-time effort; it’s a long-term commitment. After restoration, forts require regular care to prevent deterioration from returning. That is why The St George’s Foundation continues to collaborate with government departments, community volunteers, corporate teams and cultural partners to protect these sites for future generations.

Our work is sustained by these partnerships and the passion of individuals who understand that history matters. It is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about identity, belonging and connection.

Foundation chairman Stuart Smith reflected: “Taking care of historical buildings and monuments is important for preserving our cultural heritage, connecting communities with their past and fostering a sense of pride. Buildings and monuments are physical reminders of our collective history and cultural identity, allowing us to understand who came before us and what their lives were like.”

If you would like to learn more about or be part of our restoration efforts, visit SGF.bm.

Together, we can ensure that Bermuda’s forts continue to stand — not just as stone and structure, but as powerful symbols of our island’s strength, culture and community.

• Alison Outerbridge is the manager of the St George’s Foundation.This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective media campaign co-ordinated by the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda, which aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s non-profit sector