THE Countryside Team at South Somerset District Council (SSDC) have confirmed that £1.6 million has been awarded to the project 'Uncovering Ham Hill’s past for its future'.

The funds have come from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and will go to restoring Ham Hill Country Park's rich history which dates back to the Stone Age.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, environment portfolio holder, said: “We are excited to embark on this project at Ham Hill.

"It is vital to ensuring the future sustainability of this incredible country park; not just as a Scheduled Monument and biodiversity hotspot, but also as a place where people come to relax, have fun, socialise and learn.

"Ham Hill is a lot of things to a lot of people, and it is wonderful that the Heritage Fund has recognised it’s importance, not just for the residents of South Somerset, but for the heritage of the country."

This project will seek to conserve and protect the wealth of archaeology at this Iron Age hillfort, improve biodiversity and habitat management, provide better visitor facilities and engage visitors and local communities with the heritage, geological, cultural and wildlife importance of Ham Hill.

Some of the planned upgrades include:

  • A new visitor centre will include a permanent exhibition space, which will tell the stories of Ham Hill through the display of artefacts, use of imagery and hands on activities.
  • A temporary exhibition space will allow local artists to display their work and provide the opportunity for themed exhibitions focusing on Ham Hill’s stories.
  • A café will provide refreshments and a space for socialising, whilst public toilets and a ‘Changing Place’ will increase facilities for visitors, particularly those with additional requirements, making Ham Hill a welcoming place for all.

The Country Park is popular with local people who enjoy its fantastic views, hidden places and variety of landscape and wildlife.

Stuart McLeod, director England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support South Somerset District Council to uncover Ham Hill’s history.

"Not only will this project focus on the historic stories of the site, it will also create vital facilities for the community, enabling more people to learn about the heritage that is on their doorstep."

The current team of rangers at Ham Hill do a fantastic job, but with increased visitors more support to protect and manage the upkeep of the park will be required.

The Heritage Fund grant will enable a doubling of the small ranger team to include an additional Assistant Ranger for habitat management and scheduled monument protection works and an Engagement Ranger.

More information and a more detailed time scale will be released from the council in the New year.