As the days are longer and lighter and the weather (hopefully) improves, Ham Hill Country Park has many special spring offerings to keep you and the family busy.
For those who enjoy walking, take a stroll out to Pit Wood on the eastern most side of site to see the primroses and dog violets in bloom on the woodland banks. Follow the trails into Witcombe Valley and Horses Wood to see delicate white wood anemones and a bit later in the season, bluebells.
If you are staying on the hilltop, then whilst walking through the flat fields keep an ear out for skylarks on the wing; rising and falling in the sky above you. These ground nesting birds continue to flourish in the fields and surveys report a positive growth in their population numbers year on year.
Listen out for Tawny Owls in the early evening across Hedgecock Hill Woods; best heard from outside the Prince of Wales pub.
If you are looking for activities and entertainment, try the Rangers Mother’s Day crafts session on Saturday 25th March where participants will get to make a natural hazel photo frame and a unique card for their mum. To book, visit www.southsomersetcountryside.com.
If you can’t make that (or you are feeling more energetic), why not try our permanent orienteering courses for Ham Hill which can be downloaded for free from www.southsomersetcountryside.com/Leaflets.
Paul McNeill, Countryside Ranger at Ham Hill said, “At 390 acres Ham Hill is a large and diverse site. It offers a huge range of walking and other sporting opportunities, all out in the fresh air and enjoying the fabulous wildlife and countryside of South Somerset. If the site is new to you then visit www.southsomersetcountryside.com for information and like our Facebook page for up to date information about the site.”
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture added, “With spring now here, there will be more and more opportunities to enjoy the best of Somerset by visiting some of the Country Parks across South Somerset. Ham Hill always delivers a fantastic day out whether it’s taking the dog for a stroll, flying a kite or taking part in one of the Ranger led activities.”