Dog Walking Month - Walls Hill

Walls Hill has become a prime spot for dog walkers over the years and its understandable why when you take in the amazing views of blue oceans for as far as the eye can see (and currently a lot of cruise ships who every now and again HONK for you :D). Walls Hill offers the most breath-taking views along a pleasant coastal walk which spans from Babbacombe downs via Oddicombe and Babbacombe beach. Due to its historical aggregate field systems, it has resulted in a growth of rare and localised plant species including Small hare ear (Bupleurum baldense), small rest harrow (Ononis Reclinata), Goldilocks Aster (Galatella Linosyris), Nitgrass (Gastridum ventricosum), Little Robin (Photinia Fraseri), white rockrose which is said to be fairly rare to places other than some coastal locations in somerset and Devon. Brean-down is one of its favourite places to grow and wild herbs such as honewort. Due to a huge array of wild plants, it attracts all sorts of wildlife such as butterflies, rabbits, foxes, birds and if you get close enough, you will witness a huge range of insects and possibly be bit by them. Although, you do need to be cautious around the edge cliff. The council have fenced of majority of the cliff edge but there can still be access to the edge via holes in the fence and through the trees.

Walking around Walls Hill is a moderate walk, it has a very mixed terrain with grassy hills and rocky paths plus, if it rains there is also a huge chance of mud which is my personal reason why I love it. Muddy Puddles!!

Walls Hill was first listed as a scheduled monument on the 18th of July 2000, its regular aggregated field systems date back from the Bronze age (2000-700BC) to roughly the end of the 5Th century AD. This patch of land would have held many smaller fields which would have been segregated via drystone walls and reaves, orthostats and earth and rubble banks etc. It I said that there were roughly 9 small fields mapped however, due to quarrying over the year’s parts of the southern and eastern side of the cliffs have eroded. The original grassland would have extended into the sea dramatically more than is visible today. You can see evidence of this old long quarry from the far side of Walls Hills, it is possible to get down there via the trees however, it can be dangerous (I have investigated, and the rope and steep cliff edge had a huge impact on me putting it off while on my own) on the other hand, you will see people fishing and doing water sports such as kayaking there but, if you looked hard enough you could find many secluded and peaceful section in Walls Hill. I do have a few of my favourites.

Aggregate lands such as Walls Hill are hugely important in demonstrating a consistent economic unit. Due to it being used for such a long period it helps to develop a new understanding about developments in agriculture practices such as location and other broader patterns such as social, cultural and environmental changes over serval centuries.

Overall, with its most important contribution to understanding society from the bronze age, huge arrange of nature and wildlife to investigate and a peaceful walk and spectacular views it is suitable for people of all ages not just the four-legged fury friends.

During this hard time remember to look after yourself. Eat healthy, get sun, exercise and talk. The last one being the most important. In a world that is so uncertain, be kind and smile. smiles are contagious and could make someone’s day.