Goblin reveals its hidden past

Submitted by PaulM on Tuesday, 04 February 2003 Page Views: 1617

A forbidden forest is set to reveal secrets of a woodland that was once home to an elite Iron Age community. The forest is to be re-opened to the public after decades of restricted access. The picturesque Cleeve Wood, which is eight miles south of Bristol in Goblin Combe Valley, should be open to nature lovers by April.

North Somerset Council has bought the site with the aim of increasing access to the ancient woodland, part of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The land used be owned by Lord Sinclair, who allowed limited entry to the 127-acre wood. However, after it was sold in the late 1980s, access was blocked.
Experts are excited about the new plans, which they say could provide "thrilling" insights into life 2,500 years ago when Cleeve Wood was home to the area's ruling family and their entourage.

As the Bronze Age was becoming the Iron Age, this elite clan was based at Cleeve Toot, a hill fort at the top of the site.

English Heritage archaeologist Buzz Busby said the camp would have included a number of houses, space for animals and storage tips.

He said: "It would have been the very top of the community that lived up here. We're talking about a very elite family and their associates."

Mr Busby said very little historical work had been done at the site and some thrilling discoveries could be expected.

He said: "This is a very exciting opportunity. As well as preserving the earthworks of the hill fort we will preserve the remains of 18th century limestone quarries."

The team will use hi-tech geophysics techniques to build a picture of what life was like at the fort without damaging the environment.

Kate Jeffreys, of English Nature, said the site was home to a number of rare species, including dormice and the greater horseshoe bat.

She said: "The reason it's an SSSI is partly because of its sheer size and partly because of the wide range of important habitats here."

Once the preparations are complete, the council will hand over the running of the site to a charitable trust.

Courses such as woodland management and ecosystems will be run at Goblin Combe Environment Centre.

For more information visit the website

Source: This is Bristol, 04/02/03

Contributor Bio for PaulM: Based in Macclesfield, contributing since 2002. Favourite site: Hordron Edge. Occupation: Something in waste and recycling.

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