April 2026
Rising above the rooftops of North Allington, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, Allington Hill is a place where people come to enjoy fresh air and nature.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of local volunteers, led by Cathy Harvey and Steve Todd, work hard to keep the hill thriving. This group is the Allington Hillbillies.
The Hillbillies are a community volunteer group devoted to looking after the hill, including Cooper’s Wood and Cooper’s Field. Working closely with The Woodland Trust and Bridport Town Council, they help to maintain the landscape and to protect and encourage wildlife, while ensuring the land remains accessible for all.
The group includes local residents of all ages and from all walks of life: an enthusiastic bunch who gather on Wednesdays throughout the year, plus Sundays during the winter. Passersby might come across them in their distinctive orange tops, clearing paths, maintaining benches, managing the wildflower meadow that covers the hillside with colour and life in spring and summer – and emptying the poo bins! This spring they have been continuing with the long-term project of restoring the hedge along the top of the field for the benefit of wildlife.
Nature is at the heart of everything the Hillbillies do. By encouraging native plants and carefully managing habitats, the group supports a wide range of wildlife from birds and butterflies to small mammals and pollinating insects. Their work helps to maintain the ecological balance of the hill while making it a richer place to explore. They also recognise the important role that nature plays in mental health and wellbeing.
The Hillbillies organise outdoor events throughout the year, helping residents connect more deeply with the natural environment around them. These activities include moth and bat evenings, local history walks and the extremely popular Nature Club, run by Cathy Harvey for children and their carers during the school holidays, encouraging them to experience nature up close.
The hill, and Cooper’s Circle in particular, has also become a hub for storytelling, outdoor learning, art activities and small events.
This year, on 2 May, the Hillbillies are putting on a country fair with traditional craft stalls, have-a-go activities, local experts sharing wildlife knowledge in the speakers’ tent, live music and good food from local providers. There will also be horse-logging demonstrations and guided wildlife walks around the hill. This event is the first of its kind in Bridport and entry is free for all.
The group is also running an art and local history event in Bridport Arts Centre’s Allsop Gallery over the Easter holidays, with art workshops for all abilities and ages.
What began as a small group of local enthusiasts has grown into a valued part of the Bridport community. The Allington Hillbillies continue to protect one of Bridport’s iconic landscapes, ensuring that the hill remains alive with wildlife and community spirit for years to come.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact details are online at allingtonhillbillies.org.uk.
Article by Cathy Tyler
