Continued efforts to support local nature reserve
March 13, 2025
Turnstyle Designs The Interior Designers Architects Furniture Makers Designers Choice
Another successful visit to Hillsborough Nature Reserve
After a productive day last November, Team Turnstyle was invited back to join the local volunteer group Friends of Hillsborough once again for another packed day of hard work and community spirit maintaining the beautiful Hillsborough nature reserve in Ilfracombe.
ABOUT THE DAY
Hillsborough Common is a beloved green space used by locals and visited from far and wide. A beautiful location with stunning views of Ilfracombe town and the ocean, the three-mile myriad of pathways are a must.
The task of the day, set by group leader Bob Schick, was to clear the bracken, brambles, and overgrown foliage along the designated paths. This is an essential part of maintaining the health and beauty of the land, keeping invasive plants at bay, whilst making the area safe and secure for public access. By clearing back the overgrown foliage, it made way for new growth allowing room for wildflowers such as fox gloves and wild orchids, it also creates a healthy environment for bugs and bees to thrive.
Jarrah, our Engineering Manager and Claire, from the leathering department, were the two eager volunteers for the day. The day was not just a great opportunity to tidy up the area but create a space where nature can breathe and blossom.
As bird nesting season takes place during February to August, work like this is important to be completed now as no tree cutting or strimming is allowed during this 6-month period.
"Thank you as always to the Friends of Hillsborough volunteers who participated today, we were blessed with a nice weather window after a very wet start to the day. We were again joined by some new volunteers who work at Turnstyle Designs. They kindly joined us to support our endeavours to improve/maintain Hillsborough, thank you. We managed to accomplish what was planned for the day in what was a very pleasant and productive few hours, as they say 'many hands make light work'.”
As the team moved through the common, they were met by many passers by who complemented their efforts greatly and couldn’t believe there was such a beautiful stone wall underneath all the ivy they helped clear. They were also closely monitored for the day by Desmond the dog, who oversaw all the work!
The efforts by fellow volunteers and Friends of Hillsborough veterans were not only greatly appreciated but are regularly needed. The Friends of Hillsborough team are striving to secure funding for important conservation projects. One major focus is the renovation of the Victorian house and picnic area that has unfortunately fallen into disrepair due to years of vandalism and neglect. This area used to be patrolled regularly, but budget cuts have made it difficult to maintain the level of dedicated time and care the area needs on a regular basis.
Restoring this iconic structure to its former glory is just one step toward ensuring Hillsborough Common remains a place that locals can be proud of, and visitors can appreciate.
"It was a fantastic day spent with like-minded people who all had one goal; to help the local environment. As Turnstyle Designs have now become a certified B corporation, these staff volunteer days are paramount to the well-being of both the planet and people, and I really enjoy them.”
As the team continues to work on the upkeep of Hillsborough Common, the hope is that more people will join the effort to maintain this special place. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply visiting and enjoying the space, every little bit helps in the collective effort to conserve this precious green space for generations to come.
HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH
For many years, dating back to the early Victorian era, Hillsborough was a popular landmark, climbed by many to paint and photograph the town and harbour.
In 1895 it was “saved from builders’ hands” when the Hillsborough Estate was purchased by the Ilfracombe Urban District Council to prevent it from being built on and to provide quiet informal recreation for both visitors and locals a like.
The area has over three miles of pathways, built and laid out, complete with viewpoints and shelters, some of which are still there today.
The area also host remains of ancient earthworks thought to be nearly 2500 years old. These earthworks are the best surviving example of an Iron-Age ‘promontory’ hillfort on the North Devon coast.
To get involved in Friends of Hillsborough upcoming volunteer days, visit their Facebook page.
