Hilly Fields: History and Nature - Ted Benton

Hilly Fields is a Colchester green space - tucked away close to the city centre and with a fine view of jumbo water tower from its eastern slopes. CNHS has for many years organised summer field meetings there, and it was recently extended to include Buntings Meadow - the former residence of our much missed former president, Joe Firmin. The site was designated a local nature reserve in 2001 but before that was protected for its unique historical and archaeological importance - from iron age relics through Roman times and the location of two forts during the civil war. Recently Mike Edwards and others have surveyed the current wildlife of this ancient site with its extensive acid grassland habitat and found an astonishing assemblage of rare and local species. How far is this wildlife haven a product of its unique history?

Toilet facilities are available at Cardinal Bourne Hall and tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for a small donation.