Have you ever wanted to capture the magic of the hills on paper?
This September, residents and visitors to the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are invited to join local artist Bill Kneale and County Archaeologist Fiona Gale on a walk to Moel Famau, Jubilee Tower for a sketching excursion as part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Tower and to celebrate the Heather and Hillforts project.
The Jubilee Tower lies at the heart of Moel Famau Country Park, a fantastic upland heather moorland, you may notice strange patterns cut into the heather, this is all work towards improving the area for sheep and for birdlife. The foundation stone of the Jubilee Tower was laid in October 1810, to mark the golden jubilee of George III. The walk and draw event, to be held on 9th September, 11-3pm, will begin by following Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail up a steady climb to the tower passing the Iron Age hillfort of Moel y Gaer Llanbedr on the way .
Fiona Gale, County Archaeologist said, “Most of my work is about practical archaeology- who built the hillforts and when, and how we can look after them and how we can care for and improve the heather habitat. Bill’s walk will give people the opportunity to experience the area in a different way by having a go at sketching this fantastic landscape.
“The event takes place in the year the Clwydian Range celebrates its 25th anniversary of being designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. What better way to celebrate the area’s magnificence and to mark the 200th anniversary of the Tower.”
The day will give people who are inspired by the landscape a chance to experience it through drawing and sketching, all materials will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch and suitable clothing and footwear. Meet at the top car park at Moel Famau, grid reference SJ161605.
To book your place, please contact Loggerheads Country Park on 01352 810614 or email [email protected].
This event will celebrate Moel Famau and the Jubilee Tower and will be one of the first events leading up to a celebration to mark the 200th anniversary of the Jubilee Tower on October 24th, for more information www.jubileetower200.co.uk
The event is supported by the three year Heather and Hillforts Project which is developing a £2.3 million initiative for upland conservation work and has received a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information please visit www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk
The project’s progress can be followed on Twitter and Facebook by visiting www.twitter.com/HeatherHillfort or by joining the Heather and Hillforts Facebook fan page.
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 28,800 projects allocating over £.3 billion across the UK, including over 1,800 projects totalling over £200 million in Wales. For more information, please visit www.hlf.org.uk
