Restoring Beloved Local Nature Reserve
November 19, 2024
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MEADOW MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION WITH FRIENDS OF HIILLSBOROUGH
The Friends of Hillsborough are a local volunteer group dedicated to maintaining the nature reserve and surrounding coastal path within the Ilfracombe area. The Friends of Hillsborough frequently organise volunteer events, which a few members of our Turnstyle team recently attended. This particular event was to help maintain the pathways and expand the wildflower meadow, which is an all year round project.
ABOUT THE DAY
When arriving at the meeting point in Ilfracombe, our team received a warm welcome from the Friends of Hillsborough volunteers and Finding Nature’s Footprints team (part of North Devon Coastal Landscapes). The group was provided with the tools for the day’s tasks, which have been funded by the government’s Farming Protected Landscape Program.
After a scenic walk towards the eastern side of Ilfracombe, they were divided into several teams and assigned tasks. Turnstyle’s team, along with two Friends of Hillsborough volunteers, were tasked with tidying up the Rapparee steps leading down to the beach.
Following this year’s weather, the Rapparee steps had become severely overgrown, creating a narrow, hazardous pathway.
The dedicated group of volunteers worked together, clearing the debris and trimming back the overgrown foliage obstructing the walkway. After the group’s hard work, the steps are now much safer and more accessible for everyone. Great job!
“We joined a lovely bunch of people and their dogs to help clear the pathway leading down to Rapparee Cove. Volunteering for the day made me appreciate how much care and hard work goes into maintaining the beautiful countryside we live in.”
About the Friends of Hillsborough
The Friends of Hillsborough are a local volunteer group that works under the guidance of North Devon Council’s parks department. Bob Schiek is the group’s administrator and a local resident within the Ilfracombe area.
The volunteers help in managing all aspects of the local nature reserve. This involves protecting the Iron Age ramparts from bracken and scrubs. Managing the wildflower meadow to help pollinators and keeping the paths open and walkable.
The Friends of Hillsborough welcome any new volunteers and dog companions to come and enjoy the views and the company whilst enhancing the beloved Hillsborough Hillfort.
"Joining us once again were Jamie and a colleague from the Finding Nature’s Footprints team (part of North Devon Coastal Landscapes), along with two new volunteers from Turnstyle Designs Ltd. based in Barnstaple. We’re grateful to Turnstyle Designs for supporting our efforts and to the volunteers for lending their time to enhance this special site!"
To volunteer with Friends of Hillsborough, please contact them through their Facebook page.
