Ham Hill Country Park

The core of Ham Hill Country Park is Hamdon Iron Age hill fort. This 89 ha fort has impressive ramparts stretching for 5km. Later occupation by the Romans left the remains of a villa and possible military camp. In the adjacent valley a deserted medieval village completes the impressive timeline of occupation. The unique geology gives Ham Hill its SSSI status, the Jurassic Shelley limestone, Hamstone, was first quarried on site by the Romans and still is today. Topping all this off are large, orchid rich, wildflower meadows, beautiful semi-natural ancient woodlands and patches of species rich calcareous grassland. The glorious views take in the Somerset Levels, Exmoor and the Mendips. At the Ham Hill Centre there are public toilets and displays about the Country Park. Each year the Countryside Ranger Team delivers a series of events throughout the year for all ages. Organised events range from play schemes about Roman history to bat walks and Guy Fawkes bonfire event. Ham Hill is definitely a community site, people living in the low lying villages have a great sense of ownership and pride. The rangers run a very active and involved volunteer team. Meeting every Wednesday and some weekends, volunteers carry out many tasks throughout the Country Park. The Country Park would not be the beautiful place today without them, as work on such a sensitive site is very labour intensive.