The Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme hopes to improve understanding, increase awareness and accessibility, and influence the future management of the special historic and natural heritage of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountain.

The six hillforts of Pen y Cloddiau, Moel Arthur, Moel y Gaer (Llanbedr), Moel Fenlli, Moel y Gaer (Llantysilio) and Caer Drewyn are a spectacular feature of the historic landscape in the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountain. The Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme aims to develop a community study programme of the hillfort sites, which would greatly increase our understanding of these important monuments. The potential to gain new information about the hillforts was highlighted by recent surveys located over 90 previously unidentified hut platform sites.

The Our Hillfort Heritage Programme would also develop a strategic approach towards positive management work to restore and limit erosion damage to the hillfort sites. The work would involve restoring damaged footpaths, redirecting some routes to avoid further damage to important archaeological features and taking action to prevent further damage from the illegal use of the uplands by off-road vehicles.

Our Moorland Heritage

Heather moorland is a highly valued wildlife habitat that is considered to be of regional, national and international value. The Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme aims to restore the favourable condition of the moorland through heather management and bracken control. The aim is to facilitate areas of Common Land especially to enter into management agreements and agri-environment schemes, which will provide financial assistance to sustain positive moorland management in the long term. The project also aims to develop a training programme in partnership with Llysfasi College in traditional moorland management techniques. A moorland watch initiative and a fire risk management project would also be established, with the aim of adopting a proactive approach to minimising the potential future damage to the habitat.

Understanding Our Uplands

Every year over half a million people visit the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Area and many are completely unaware of the natural and historic heritage significance of their destination. A broad range of innovative interpretation projects will be established by the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme, ranging from exhibitions, remote trails, education resources, and information publications. Increasing public participation in upland heritage management will create a greater understanding of the value of these special areas.

The hillfort settlements were built on the hill tops to take advantage of easily defendable sites, which means that these areas will remain in-accessible to many. Bringing the heritage character of the uplands to the local communities is a core aim of the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme, making the special heritage of the area accessible to those who would otherwise be unable to enjoy these sites.

Improving Access for All

The fourth core programme under the Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership Scheme will improve physical accessibility to the heritage of the uplands. The Access Programme will involve footpath improvements, establishment of heritage trails, development of the public transport network and a programme of events. The Programme also aims to subsidise the cost of transport to the Project Area for educational purposes and from disadvantaged areas. The Improving Access for All Programme will be closely linked to the Understanding Our Uplands Programme.

What difference would the project make?

• Bring 6 hillfort sites under positive management.
• Bring 1,500ha of upland moorland under co-ordinated management.
• Upgrade 400m of the footpath network to provide greater access for all.
• Improve the public transport provision and increase the number of people using the service.
• Provide new opportunities for people of all backgrounds to enjoy the heritage of the uplands.
• Provide training opportunities for people to become involved in the management of the heather moorland and archaeological research.