Work set to begin to preserve Nesscliffe Hillfort

A tree felling operation is set begin on Monday 7 November 2016 on Nesscliffe Hillfort in order to preserve a scheduled ancient monument.

Expected to last for two months, the work will include the felling of the majority of the trees on the Hillfort, which are beginning to cause damage to the monument and the archaeology of the area due to being blown down.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said:

“It is important that we acknowledge and preserve the cultural significance of our county, and Shropshire Council are committed to doing just that.

“We have people dedicated to looking after Shropshire’s heritage, and projects like securing the future of Nesscliffe Hillfort are a great example of that commitment.”

All of the timber will be taken from the site via predetermined access routes, and areas of operation will be clearly indicated.

Costs of the project will be recuperated through the sale of the felled timber, meaning the preservation work will be at no cost to Shropshire Council.

Long-term plans for the area are to keep it clear of trees to allow the restoration of heathland habitat.

The project has received Scheduled Ancient Monument consent from Historic England.

For more information about the work please contact Shropshire Council’s outdoor recreation service at outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk or call 0345 678 9000.

Further information

For more information about Shropshire Council’s outdoor recreation service visit https://shropshire.gov.uk/outdoor-recreation/

For details on Scheduled Ancient Monuments visit Historic England at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/what-is-designation/scheduled-monuments/