By Chris Cornford
Storytellers, entertainers, archaeologists and wildlife experts will be on hand next week to mark the completion of an ambitious plan to bring Golden Hill Country Park to life.
The event takes place next Sunday (June 27) from noon – at one of the Island’s best, open access countryside sites, near Freshwater – and the fun is free for all the family.
Visitors will be able to learn about the fascinating recent developments and mark this 50th ‘Golden’ anniversary of the park’s creation and 150 years since the fort itself was built.
Hosted by Gift to Nature, the Island’s environmental charity, has been granted a National Lottery Heritage Fund project. Thanks to the funding, the military history has been studied, revealed and recorded by a team of archaeological volunteers led by Dr Ruth Waller.
A Gift to Nature spokesman said: “Alongside the heritage discoveries, we have been busy developing the site for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
“We have planted a new community orchard and, to draw families into this beautiful local asset, we now have an impressive willow maze which is already proving a great hit.
“Willow artist Eddie Glew has created the original fort structure using local materials, to build a spectacular addition which gives the park a unique attraction. There is only one other maze like this in the whole of the UK.
“We welcome visitors to see this exciting revamp, enjoy the refreshments, music, dancing and kite-flying – and learn a little about its past and how others can be part of its future.”
Press Release