Natural England

Historic features dating back thousands of years at the Blackdown Rings hill fort, near Loddiswell, are being preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

Bracken and gorse have started to heavily colonise the ramparts of the fort causing damage to the underground archaeological remains. As a result, the Arundell Charity, who owns the site, has just entered in to a ten year Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England to help manage the site

Martin Longley, an adviser at Natural England, commented: “Bracken roots are particularly destructive to buried historic remains. They penetrate much deeper than grass roots and mix up the soil resulting in individual features and deposits losing much of their archaeological value. We have therefore started work to control these undesirable plant species on the site."

Reg Sampson, Chairman of the Arundell Charity, added: “The hill fort is very popular with locals and visitors, and it remains our top priority to keep the historic site in good condition. The financial support from Natural England will enable us to keep the scheduled monument free from damaging vegetation, allowing visitors an uninterrupted view of the whole site and also ensuring the preservation of archaeological remains within the earthworks”.

The iron age hill fort, which also houses the earthwork where a medieval castle stood, is located near Loddiswell, and is signposted off the California Cross to Loddiswell road at Coldharbour Cross.

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Notes for editors

1. Natural England is here to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

2. The work is being funded by Natural England through the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, which provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England who deliver effective environmental management on their land.

3. For further information and an aerial image please contact Christine White on 07900 608017