Unique Hideaways joins Ranger Day at Castle an Dinas

Cornwall Heritage Trust is a Cornish charity committed to preserving the county’s amazing historic sites and beautiful wild spaces. One of the sites looked after by the charity, Castle an Dinas in St Columb Major is one of the biggest hillforts in Cornwall. Over 2,000 years old, it contains both Bronze and Iron Age constructions and may even feature traces of Neolithic activity too.

Repurposed countless times over the centuries, Castle an Dinas has long been at the heart of local communities. Today, it still stands proud overlooking the surrounding landscapes, providing space for both local wildlife to thrive and people to absorb the setting. Yet, preserving this ancient site is not without its challenges – and sometimes some of the biggest problems can appear as some of the most innocuous.

Shrouding the ramparts around the hillfort and clinging to its undulating slopes, a sea of bracken swathes Castle an Dinas. Providing the Trust with a year-round task, clearing the bracken is vital to both protecting the ancient monument and providing space for a diverse ecosystem to flourish. As, although beautiful, the hardy fronds and roots of bracken can quickly spread, making it difficult for other species to survive.

Armed with scythes and secateurs, Unique Hideaways joined up with CHT Ranger, Hollie, and a team of volunteers, ready to tackle the leafy jungle. Supervised by inquisitive cows and sheep nearby, we set to work hacking back the bracken, cutting as close to the ground as possible without damaging any flora beneath. Very soon, clear tracts around the hillfort were revealed, opening up green space and providing many more species with a chance to grow.

Refuelled by snack and lunch breaks and revived with flasks of tea, the hours slipped by under a warm sun. By the end of the day, we had made our way around half the circumference of the fort – a worthy achievement helped by buoyed spirits and impressive scything skills. Though there was plenty more still to be done, it was a great reflection of what can be achieved with the help of a team, and the effort that goes into preserving Cornwall’s fascinating heritage for all to enjoy.   

If you would like to take part in preserving Cornwall historic sites and wild spaces and are interested in taking part in brilliant volunteer days, get in touch with Cornwall Heritage Trust. You can also keep an eye on their upcoming opportunities throughout the county.