Sandstone Ridge programme of events launched this summer

Jun 18 2009 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

AN EXTENSIVE programme of training and events will feature six of the Iron Age Hillforts along the Sandstone Ridge between Frodsham and Bickerton.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is lead partner of the Habitats and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme which was launched eight months ago. Almost £1.4m of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is helping conserve the Ridge’s Iron Age hillforts and wildlife habitats to learn about the area’s landscape heritage.

Training and volunteering is a large part of the project, encouraging local people to be able to get more involved in their area, learn new skills and enjoy their surroundings.

Courses available include learning how to restore a dry stone wall, lay a hedge, identify wildflowers, weave willow and make charcoal. There are also opportunities to attend celebration events including guided walks and storytelling.

Training is largely delivered by a sub group of the project made up of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), Harthill Arts Trust, Cheshire Outdoor Education Centres and Reaseheath College.

Cheshire FWAG adviser Jane Atkinson said: “This funding has enabled us to be able to deliver a range of training for a variety of audiences including farmers, land managers, local people and those with a keen interest in the natural and historic environment.

“To date training has been very successful and good feedback has been received by all.”

A four week excavation will be taking place in July at Woodhouse Hillfort, just above Frodsham.

Archaeologist Dan Garner said: “As part of the Festival of British Archaeology during the weekend of July 18 and 19 and then on subsequent week days until Friday, July 31, visitors are more than welcome to have and have a look and see how we are getting on. There could be some exciting finds.”

Organised groups wanting to visit the excavations will need to book in advance by emailing Dan Garner at dan.garner@cheshirewestandchester. gov.uk or by ringing 07833 236675.

Tales on the Trail is also taking place, where a local storyteller will be walking the Sandstone Trail over four days.

The Journey Man will walk along the Trail and at the end of each day he will stop at four of the six hillforts along the ridge to tell a story.

The event will take place from July 23-26 and more information will be released nearer the time.

For a copy of the training and events booklet, e-mail habitatsandhillforts@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or they are available at various outlets across the ridge.