News

Work starts next week to repair the ramparts of the impressive iron-age hillfort that crowns Caer Caradoc in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Caer Caradoc gets its name from its link to the legendary warrior prince Caradoc, who rebelled against the Romans in the first century AD. Decades of wear has left its mark on the ramparts of this popular hill which rises above Church Stretton. 

Sustainable Tourism Officer, Nigel McDonald explains, “The aim of the project is to improve access whilst protecting the archaeology from further damage. Over time, erosion has caused deep v-shaped notches and long erosion scar in the main rampart. Our Fix the Fort appeal has helped to raise the funds needed to repair erosion on the hillfort.”  
  
With almost £4,000 donated by local people and visitors, and successful bids to HF Holidays and the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, we now have the funding in place to complete the repair work. 
 
Nigel continues, “We begin work on the ground on 10th October, and will have to close the public footpath from this date for six weeks while repairs are happening.  We have consent from Historic England to repair the ramparts, protecting the archaeology from further erosion, whilst improving the accessibility with steps.” 
 
A helicopter is being used to lift materials to three areas on the fort.  Weather permitting, this will happen on 14th October, and all access to the hill will be closed this day while the helicopter is in action. Site notices will be issued, and details also posted on our ShropHillsAONB Facebook page. 
 
Once the repairs have been completed, some of the areas of work will be protected with hessian sown with grass seed mix, and stock netting.  When this is removed, we hope people will chose to walk on alternative paths to allow the sward to establish itself. 
 
Volunteer opportunities are available to work onsite and undertake archaeological investigation work with Matt Williams from Fearn Heritage on Tuesday 11th October and Saturday 15th October. Volunteers are also needed on 14th October to help warden the hill whilst helicopter is in use. 

Please get in touch with us if you can help on 14th October or would like to attend either or both archaeological investigation days by emailing shropshirehillsaonb@shropshire.gov.uk or telephone 01743 254740.