Trifter

ARCHAEOLOGY, CLIMBING AND TREES

SUMMERHILL on the edge of Hartlepool in the North East of England is a 100 acre site which has been transfigured into a location for both conservation and outdoor activities.  Work started on the eight original fields in 1997 and is now complete.

It has become an exciting venue for sport and recreation in an assortment of natural habitats which include meadow areas, wetlands and far reaching woodlands.  This on site conservation work has comprised of the research and preservation of key archaeological sites, the planting of 65,000 saplings and switches, restoration of the hedgerows and the creation of numerous small ponds and marshes.

The past of Summerhill forms an invaluable feature of the site.  The major part are the 2,000 year old remains of a Romano-British village.  However anecdotes are told of more recent events, such as the tale of Dead Man’s Hollow, previously often used as a more familiar name than even Summerhill itself.  At one time it was an abandoned quarry complete with picnic site and a tree swing. It was a popular resting place along the footpath between Dalton Piecy and Hartlepool.

Recent work has levelled the hollow leaving no trace of it.  However a decision was made to create something to mark the spot, due to the high number of visitors asking about the site.

Members of the Brooklyn’s Art Studio, based in Hartlepool were brought into the project.  Their first steps were to learn more about the Summerhill area and then to generate ideas.  Wood sculptor David Gloss guided the group and set them practising their wood carving techniques.

Now they were ready to focus on their chose idea of sculpturing a gigantic hare.  This animal is compatible with Summerhill, due to the large number of hares in the area.  It was also a sacred symbol of health and fertility to the long dead Celtic people of the Romano-British community of 2,000 years ago.

Planners identified eight key outdoor activities that needed catering for at Summerhill.  There is basic exercise and fitness along with the traditional rural pastimes of rambling, cycling and horse riding.  It has cross country running alongside the Swedish competitive game of orienteering.  There are amenities for the English martial art of archery and it encourages rock climbing.

The Project Team is based in the Visitor Centre to run activities and educational sessions for schools play schemes or any other group which has an interest in either outdoor sports or conservation.

Guided walks through the woods are often held at Summerhill.  Other events include To Bouldly Go; a sampler session for the budding mountaineer.  High Ho is a round on the high ropes course that is supervised by experienced instructors.

Visitors can learn how to create their own wildlife pattens and pictures in Wildlife Through The Window.  Later they are shown the techniques for arranging their works of art onto stained glass transfers which are used to decorate windows in their own homes.

Once a year Summerhill stages a free national playday for children of all ages.  It offers the chance for youngsters to try their hand at circus skills as well as craft events with a full range of entertaining activities.

Visitors can get out into the open air and discover the paths and trails of the area, read maps and use compasses to discover the hidden markers on a fun course during the orienteering days.  There is expert instruction available for the beginners.

Pinhole Piccys will explain to visitors how cameras work.  They will be shown how to make a simple pinhole camera and use it around the site.

Singers and performers based in the North East conduct the Storytelling Festival.  It offers children the chance to take part in storytelling workshops, join in song and music sessions, learn circus skills and have their face painted.

The Countryside Festival is an opportunity to meet the local groups and organisations which are involved in the countryside.  There are various opportunities from guided walks through craft activities to climbing sessions.

More details on the Summerhill Project, including how to join the Friends of Summerhill Group can be obtained from 01429 284584