We had an impressive number of volunteers clearing an overgrown part of the Hexton Highway, one of the paths much used over the summer months. As well as the information stands and new drone footage of the area, local artist Sophie Greswell helped to make a collective piece of art – helped by the guests who joined in during the afternoon.
Your experience of BH and growing up in the area
Bradgers Hill has always been there for me. Whether it’s going for a walk on a Sunday after church or losing myself in the natural beauty on days that I feel down, there has always been a reason for me to climb up those wooden steps.
I have fond memories of Scout “Wide Games”, learning survival skills and school trips to learn about land use in Geography or ecosystems in Biology. I even remember a family walk several years ago sitting on a mound which Trevor later told us that it was in-fact an ant hill. I remember the “upside down” tree that used to be in the middle of the current farmer’s field, bat walks and looking at stars through telescopes.
As I grew older Bradgers Hill became a place to go hang out with my mates, go for walks when family or my girlfriend came over. During winter I relived excitement of sledging down “Killer Hill”. It became the place to escape when life got hard - sitting up there for hours watching the butterflies and the birds. It became my secret spot.
Throughout my university studies, I’d go on Saturday afternoon butterfly surveys and we’d look for Slow worms or Common Lizards having put down roofing felt tiles for them to shelter under.
We change and the way we used it changed, but the Hill remained a constant.
Why Bradgers Hill Wilder Futures is important for the site and the community
Bradger’s hill is a distinctive area, both in terms of its place in the memories of local people as well as its status as a classic area of chalk grassland. When I was younger, it was regular for groups or schools to use the hill and the John Dony Field Centre for education purposes. Young people would care and get to know about this gem in their community.
The John Dony experience has long since halted, although the road signs to its former location remain. A such, it is at risk of becoming a hill that people take for granted, unaware of the history or the ecosystems. I believe this can be restored again. With environmental issues being brought to the front page of newspapers or TV screens, now is the time. It’s so important that those people in the community know about the unique area of natural beauty and the species that live within it.
The “Wilder Futures” project is an important beginning. Drawing people’s attention to this site, getting them to interact and learn from those who are passionate about it will inspire people of all ages to get involved and begin to care more for the green spaces around them. Led by a team who are knowledgeable in their field and working with the Friends of Bradger’s Hill, I’m personally excited to see this site brought back to life.
This is not only good for the future of site, but also brings the community together through exploring, learning and shared experiences.
Background on Friends of Bradgers Hill
The Friends of Bradger’s Hill (FOBH) are a local community group working with The Wildlife Trust who are passionate about this green space we call Bradgers Hill. Their aim is to ensure that future generations can learn about and enjoy this gem on their doorstep. People from all walks of life and ages come to help, get involved and make decisions about the future of the site, conservation efforts and how the site is to be preserved. Meetings are open to anyone and meet monthly on second Tuesday evenings at the Bushmead Community Hub.
