We know how important the hill is to everyone in the area as it is part of the AONB area of outstanding natural beauty, a site of geomorphic importance RIGS site, a site of biological importance SBI and a site of selective heritage SHINE. Apart from all the titles it is a tranquil area which has formerly been used for beacons due to its height.
Our group has been
running for 5 years and we have helped to keep the hill free from litter and
tried to maintain the paths as well as working with the Trustees of the hill on
preparing the ground to reinstate the heathland, setting heathers and clearing
brash. We have found funds to replace the information boards around the hill
and encouraged the council to provide extra litter bins. We have an active
friendly group of volunteers who give up an hour every few months to help with
these things. The Friends of Etchinghill also have guest speakers who tell us
about our native wildlife, managing the environment, local history and other
local news.
We are always keen to
hear your stories of how you have enjoyed the hill in the past.
We have a website www.etchinghill.co.uk and update a blog of our activities which can be accessed through the website. We also have a Facebook page Friends of Etchinghill. Our chairman, Geoff
Brookes, can also be contacted on 07792 814607.
We invite you to join
us at any of our events throughout the year. See our programme itemised opposite.
All meetings are held
at the hall of The Church of the Holy Spirit, Mount Road Etchinghill and litter
picks start from there. We provide all equipment and refreshments after litter
picks. All meetings are free of charge unless otherwise stated and they are
open to everyone.
During 2016 we are working with the
Trustees of the hill to find ways that we may be able to restore the views from
the top of the mount. This would involve thinning the trees, as this was one of
the main issues raised at previous meetings we have had. We hope to apply for
funding to achieve this and we would welcome any comments that you would like
us to consider. The Trustees are keen to work with us and with the members of
the community whilst we draw up plans and apply for funds. If you have any
comments please feel free to either ring 07792 814607 or to attend our first
meeting of the year where we will have space to discuss this.
If you would like to
become a member we charge £1 per person for the year (or part year) payable in
April and will send you regular updates and minutes of meetings (members also
get discounts at some local shops ask us for further details) Come along and
join in - We are a friendly group. We look forward to meeting you.
