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Welcome to the latest quarterly edition of the Uncovering Ham Hill's Past for its Future newsletter.
We're delighted to share this quarterly update with you in a fresh new e-newsletter format. As one of our valued stakeholders, your support, interest and involvement are vital to the success of this exciting project, and we hope this new format makes it even easier to stay connected with our work.
Over the past few months, the project has continued to uncover fascinating insights into Ham Hill's rich heritage while helping to shape a sustainable future for this nationally important landscape. In this edition, you'll find updates on our recent activities, project milestones, community engagement opportunities, and the latest news from Ham Hill.
Whether you've been involved from the very beginning or are following our progress with interest, we hope you enjoy reading about the discoveries, achievements and stories that continue to emerge from this remarkable site.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more of our journey with you throughout the year. Together, we are helping to uncover the stories of Ham Hill's past while ensuring its heritage can be enjoyed and understood by future generations.
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 During the second week of the Easter holidays, we were delighted to celebrate the long-awaited official opening of the new Visitor Centre. It was a truly memorable week, filled with creativity, discovery and community spirit.
Throughout the week, visitors enjoyed a vibrant programme of activities, including art workshops, historical reenactments and a variety of displays, all centred around the new Visitor Centre and The Hollow, our outdoor education space.
The highlight came on Thursday 16 April, when around 500 people joined us for the grand opening day. There was something for everyone, from an impressive bird of prey display by Owl Obsession to a Roman reenactor bringing history to life. We were also joined by our friends from Tinker’s Bubble and the Friends of Ham Hill, alongside a beautiful mosaic workshop led by Dawn Handy.
The Ham Hill Ranger team played a key role in the day, leading guided history walks (co-led by Joseph Lewis from the South Somerset Heritage Collection), hosting Nordic braiding and bug hunting activities, and demonstrating the art of traditional drystone walling. Behind the scenes, the team also worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.
A true highlight of the day was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. We were honoured to hear speeches from Councillor Graham Oakes, Councillor Mike Best, Green Estates Manager Rachael Whaites, and Ham Hill Senior Ranger Paul McNeill. The ribbon itself was cut by John Day, a long-serving volunteer and founding member of the Friends of Ham Hill - a fitting tribute to his dedication.
Overall, it was an incredible day and a wonderful celebration of everything Ham Hill has to offer. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success.
 We’re pleased to share that, thanks to funding from the Rural Payments Agency, with support from Historic England, work is beginning to explore how the historic Lime Kiln at Ham Hill can be carefully conserved for future generations.
As an important feature of Ham Hill’s landscape and heritage, the Lime Kiln tells the story of the site’s industrial past and its connection to the unique hamstone beneath our feet. Ensuring its long-term preservation is a key priority for us.
The first stage of this project will involve specialist Conservation Architects carrying out a detailed feasibility study. This will assess the condition of the structure and identify the repairs and conservation work needed to stabilise and protect the kiln, while respecting its historical significance.
The findings from this study will guide the next steps of the project. We will then look to secure further funding to undertake the recommended works, with the aim of carrying out restoration in Spring 2027.
Through this phased approach, we hope to safeguard the Lime Kiln as a valued and visible part of Ham Hill’s heritage, ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by visitors for years to come.
Did you know?
Lime kilns were once a vital part of life at Ham Hill. They were used to heat limestone (including the local hamstone) to produce quicklime, an essential material for mortar, plaster and even improving agricultural soils.
At its peak, lime burning was a busy and skilled job, with kilns kept burning continuously for days at a time. The remains you see today are a reminder of Ham Hill’s rich industrial heritage and the important role it played in the local economy.
We’re excited to be putting the finishing touches to our new Tramper trail at Ham Hill, designed to help more people explore and enjoy the landscape with greater ease.
Our team will be undertaking specialist training later this month to prepare for the official launch of tramper hire through the Countryside Mobility Scheme. These all-terrain mobility vehicles are designed to open up routes that might otherwise be difficult to access, allowing more visitors to experience the beauty of Ham Hill.
We’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors who will be able to discover more of the site in comfort and confidence.
Keep an eye out for further details on our on-site posters, social media channels and website, where we’ll be sharing information on how to sign up and hire a tramper.
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We’re delighted to introduce a brand new online resource celebrating Somerset’s natural beauty - Discover Wild Somerset.
This inspiring website showcases Somerset Council managed green spaces, including Ham Hill, all carefully maintained by our dedicated Green Estates team. Bringing together scenic walking routes, wildlife highlights and hidden habitats, it’s designed to help you enjoy and connect with these well-cared-for places.
Whether you’re a keen nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful day outdoors, the site offers ideas, tips and local insight to help you explore with confidence. Take a look and start planning your next adventure.
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 With around 18 months of our Heritage Fund project still to deliver, there’s plenty to look forward to at Ham Hill. Over the coming months, we’ll be focusing on a range of exciting developments and activities designed to enhance the visitor experience and support our amazing community:
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Play and Discovery - Renovation of the much-loved Wildwood Play Zone and creation of a brand-new Hillfort Hideout play space
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Volunteer Workshop - A dedicated space to support our rangers in managing the site more sustainably, while offering inclusive and accessible volunteering opportunities - from woodworking and repairs to arts and crafts.
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Seasonal Trails - New trails highlighting the very best of Ham Hill throughout the year, encouraging visitors to discover something different each season.
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Children’s Explorer Activity Books - Fun, seasonal activity packs for children aged 5 to 11, packed with games, crafts, and ways to explore Ham Hill. The Spring edition is available now, with the Summer edition launching in July 2026.
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Events and Activities - A varied programme for schools and community groups. Whether you’d like to visit Ham Hill or have us come to you, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch: Schools, education groups and community groups interested in tailored sessions can contact our Community Rangers Edd or Tessa at Discoverwildsomerset@somerset.gov.uk.
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It’s been a brilliant (and very busy!) time on site, with our fantastic volunteers getting stuck into all sorts of projects,and making a big impact while they’re at it.
Our Monday construction crew have been hard at work putting the final flourishes on the new steps leading into Hedgecock Woods from the Meadows. Not only do the steps now look the part, but they’re safer too, thanks to newly installed grip strips. The team also rolled up their sleeves to build up the edges with soil before scattering a wildflower seed mix - so watch this space for a colourful welcome into the woods!
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Meanwhile, our Wednesday volunteers have been keeping things wonderfully wild (and under control!) across the site. In Hedgecock Woods, they’ve been bravely battling back invasive laurel to give native plants room to shine. Over on the Northern Spur, it’s been all hands on deck removing wild mustard, to prevent it from smothering the delicate plants underneath, and in the Meadows the team has been laying the groundwork - quite literally - for an exciting new wildflower margin.
This has meant shifting some impressively large stones (definitely a workout!) to prepare the area for mowing and cultivation later in the autumn. All in a day’s volunteering!
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Our dedicated Monday walling volunteers have been hard at work on not 1, but 2 exciting projects at Ham Hill.
Near the new Visitor Centre, a brand-new seating area is beginning to take shape. The foundation stones are now in place, and the team has completed the first lift of the wall – ready for the beautiful Hamstone seating slabs to be added. From there, the wall will rise to its full height with the second lift, finished with coping stones to secure and complete the structure.
Meanwhile, work continues on restoring the historic field boundary wall between Strouds East and the Warren on the Ham Hill plateau also known as the Meadows. This vital restoration forms part of a wider effort to enhance biodiversity along the field margins, showing how traditional skills can support modern conservation.
Interested in having a go? There are plenty of opportunities to get involved at Ham Hill – from volunteering with the walling team to joining have-a-go sessions or even weekend walling courses. Come and discover the craft for yourself! Contact: Countryside@somerset.gov.uk.
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Green Flag judges were given a tour of The Hollow, the innovative outdoor education space created with support from the Friends of Ham Hill.
The Friends of Ham Hill (FoHH) continue to make a significant contribution to the park, supporting projects, events and activities that enhance the visitor experience and provide additional resources beyond Somerset Council's core funding.
The Friends are currently developing plans to refurbish and expand the popular Wildwood Play Zone. Originally funded through Friends donations, the play area has become a valued feature of the park, and the proposed improvements will create even more opportunities for outdoor play and learning. To help raise funds for the project, FoHH have launched a public Ham Hill Photo Calendar Competition, with proceeds from calendar sales supporting the restoration.
Additionally, following the successful opening of The Hollow last year, the Friends are introducing a programme of artisan-led workshops and demonstrations this autumn. These events will provide affordable opportunities for visitors to learn new skills while showcasing local talent.
Meet the Friends
Look out for the Friends of Ham Hill at community events throughout the year:
- Rebel Scarecrow Festival – 30 July
- Norton and Chiselborough Flower Show – 15 August
- Chill on the Hill – 30 August
- Ham Hill Country Park Dog Show – 13 September
- Community Tree Planting Day – 28 November
Get involved
You can support the Friends by becoming a member, volunteering at events, joining project groups, making a donation, or attending fundraising activities.
Contact: info@friendsofhamhill.org.
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Discover the magic of Ham Hill with our exciting range of events, there’s truly something for everyone! From fascinating bat and bee walks to hands on natural crafts, thrilling axe throwing, and inspiring history and photography walks, there’s always something new to experience.
With so much going on, you won’t want to miss out. Visit our events page to see what’s on, find dates and details, and book your place today. Your next adventure at Ham Hill is just a click away!
For drop in events that do not require booking, we recommend following us on Facebook @HamHillCountryPark.
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Ham Hill's Rebel Scarecrow-fest Thursday 30 July
A scarecrow festival with a difference. Learn about George Mitchell and the farm workers rallies on Ham Hill in the 1800's.
- Horse and Cart rides
- Scarecrow-making
- Hands-on activities
- Engaging displays
- Performances from Stoke Performing Arts Group
All ages welcome, free entrance, no booking required, just drop by and join in. *Some activities will have a small cost.
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Chill on the Hill Sunday 30 August
Chill on the Hill is back for 2026 and this year we are celebrating our 5th Birthday! Enjoy a family-friendly event that celebrates diversity in nature, food, arts and community.
Come and share a day with friends and family and join us for a joyful day of live performances, uplifting music, creative workshops, and delicious local food. It's the perfect day out at the end of the summer holidays and something for all the family, dogs on leads are also welcome!
This year, the event will start at 10am at the new Ham Hill Visitor Centre, where there will be workshops and activities for all followed by a procession of music and art to the stone circle… you might just see a scarecrow on route!
Keep your eye on our Facebook page for the latest updates and full event details - we’ll be sharing more very soon!
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Ham Hill Dog Show Sunday 13 September
Dog lovers from across Somerset are invited to the Ham Hill Fun Dog Show on Sunday 13 September at the Meadows. What3Words///swimsuits.clocking.crumples
Held in association with Somerset Council and the Friends of Ham Hill, this popular event promises a great day out while raising funds for the Friends of Ham Hill.
Gates open at 10am, with 12 fun classes for all breeds and a “have-a-go” agility course. The day concludes with the much‑loved Fun Best in Show.
Entry is £2 per class (cash only), so bring your dogs, family and friends for a fun-filled day in a beautiful setting.
All proceeds go to The Friends of Ham Hill Charity to help protect Ham Hill and it's Wildlife and History.
Come on board!
We’re inviting local dog groups, community groups, businesses and supporters to get involved in a variety of ways:
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Sponsor a class – a great way to promote your business
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Donate prizes – treats, vouchers, goodies or experiences
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Run a FREE stall – showcase your products or services to dog lovers
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Host a demo or activity – training, agility, grooming or wellbeing
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Support the event – help us create a fun, welcoming day for all
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community, raise awareness of what you offer, and celebrate everything we love about dogs and the outdoors.
Get in touch at Countryside@somerset.gov.uk.
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 If you’ve visited the Ham Hill Visitor Centre or Lime Kiln Café, we’d love to hear about your experience. Let us know what you enjoyed, what you’d like to see more of, and any suggestions you may have to help us improve.
Your feedback really does make a difference. Simply click on the button below to complete our short survey.
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