Heather and Hillforts

Out on the winding, windy moors...
Heather and Hillforts Event 30th June '09

To the sounds
of ravens and skylarks

On June 30th we, Ian and myself, provided a Romano British Officer and a medieval Forester for http://www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
We suprised over 20 students and teachers from Romania, Wales and Hungary on a remote hillside. As locations go, it doesn't get much better, perfect weather, stunning views and a great off road experience getting there, thanks to Ruth the countryside warden.

To the sounds of ravens and skylarks, we led them to our encampment and gave a demonstration of history spanning nearly a thousand years! We talked of life for a British soldier in the time of King Arthur and of Arthur's possible connection to the surrounding hillforts.

Everything from daily food rations to weaponry and beliefs were on display. Moving on a few centuries, Ian explained the life and times of the forester, demonstrating how costume and weaponry had changed, and his role in the landscape, looking after the game and keeping poachers away.

What a great way to spend the day. Some hikers stopped off for a chat too and stayed for quite some time, if we'd have sold teas and cakes, we'd have made a killing!

Thanks to Samantha Williams

for for giving us the opportunity of working in such a superb backdrop.

'It's great, students from across Europe
will be going back knowing a little bit about Welsh history thanks to the fun
and informative way Age of the Princes
show the past '

Samantha Williams

Swyddog Cadwraeth y Caerau -
Prosiect y Grug a'r Caerau

Hillforts Conservation Officer -
Heather and Hillforts Project