The future of a local tourist attraction “hangs in the balance” because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Now a JustGiving page has been set up to try to preserve Creswell Crags and save it from permanent closure.

The independent charity that runs the attraction has warned it would not survive the summer without significant help.

The crags, which have a 60,000-year history, was already facing a tough 2020 when it was closed as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19. The limestone gorge and caves that were home to early humans and Neanderthals, woolly mammoths and hyenas boast stunning views, a museum of archaeological artefacts, cave tours and a café — all a key part of the East Midlands tourism economy.

The attraction is run by independent registered charity Creswell Heritage Trust and 2020 was the first year when it was not due to receive any regular external funding from local authorities.

Closing its doors to the public because of coronavirus ended all income from visitors, café and shop customers, school visits and the car park.

Dr Tim Caulton, chair of Creswell Heritage Trust, said: “Creswell Crags has been home to humans for millennia.

“Yet our immediate future has never been more perilous.

“Without significant external support the organisation that looks after Creswell Crags will not be able to survive the summer.”

Paul Baker, executive director, added: “We have made huge steps to become entirely self-sufficient. 2020 was to be the first year we would have achieved this and nothing prepared us for this threat.

“Without public support the future of this internationally-important site, and our schools and public engagement programme, is in jeopardy.

“If Creswell Crags means as much to you as it does to us, please help if you are able.”

The site of international significance for its prehistoric heritage – it is the site of the only verified Ice Age cave art in the UK and its Robin Hood cave has more early modern ‘Witch Marks’ than anywhere else in the UK – has launched an appeal for funding from the public.

Already more than £12,000 has been donated at http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/supportcreswellcrags

Creswell Crags is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the flora and fauna that thrive in the magnesian limestone landscape, it is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and it is included on the UK Government’s tentative list for submission for UNESCO World Heritage Site Inscription.

The site has more than 60,000 visitors a year with 12,000 schoolchildren taking part in education programmes each year.

Paul Baker added: “For a number of years our amazing team has worked to ensure this internationally-important site stays open.

“We have faced the challenge of the reduction and eventual end of regular funding. We have withstood extreme weather conditions.

“Please help if you are able.”

Go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/supportcreswellcrags to make a donation.