Spring Flower Walk with Keep the Bell Ringing

The Friends of Hillhouse Wood (in conjunction with The Woodland trust), and Friends of St Mary’s come together on Saturday 22nd April to provide a guided spring flower walk and refreshments.

The Old Church will be open from 12 noon with refreshments available. There is no charge but they will be welcoming donations towards their “Keep the Bell Ringing” appeal – so tantalising close to meeting its target.  While enjoying the Old Church and refreshments you can collect your map, nature trail & guide from the Friends’ information point.

Guided Walk

Then at 2pm, Steve Hallam will lead you on a guided walk from the Old Church to see the wood in its spring glory with wild flowers, butterflies and bird life, possibly including some early Nightingales.

Last years’ visitors enjoyed seeing a total of 27 different flower varieties including Primroses, Wood anemones, Golden saxifrages, Violets and Marsh marigolds, read more here.

Keep the Bell Ringing

Our 1,000-year-old Old Church is now in need of serious care and attention to continue for another 1,000 years.   Its roof is leaking in 2 places requiring repair of the valley gutter and dormer window.  The belfry also needs work on its weather cladding.  The estimate of cost for this external work, by the Churches Conservation Trust is an eye-watering £127,200.

Why Join the Walk?

As The Times newspaper has said about Hillhouse Wood:

A superb springtime wood with a flood of bluebells enhanced by the light created by coppicing of hazels.  If you’re lucky, you’ll hear blackbirds and nightingales.

The Times – 13th April 2013