Century-old hide is to be restored

A more than century-old hide is to be restored in a bid to build up an eco-friendly community in Ilworth.

The 170-year-old hide, erected by the well-known Victorian naturalist Sir Hnery Swire, was the last remaining stone-built hide in Holme Part Wood on the western outskirts of Ilworth, according to the Community Service Committee Chairman Stanley Hucksley at the Rotary Club of Ilworth.

Andrew Nicolson, Ilworth Council's Countryside and Conservation manager, said: “This is a wonderful project that has our full support. Our foresters are already working on improvements to the footpaths in parts of the wood near the hide.”

The project, which will mark the Rotary Club's 60th anniversary, was funded by a Heritage Initiative Lottery grant of £25,000, according to Stanley.

The council says it wishes to enhance and protect the local community. “We shall use the Rotary project as a springboard to setting up a Friends of Holme Park Wood group,” said Andrew.

Local schools and community groups will be involved in working with Rotarians. Colin Moran, Head teacher of Holme Grove Junior and Infants School, said: “A scheme such as this will provide tremendous impetus for a whole series of school-based projects.

“It is to be greatly welcomed and the Rotary club is to be congratulated on its intiative.”

In addition to restoring the hide, the club is planning to improve public accesss, enhancing existing footpaths and opening up at least one other.

Bill Ivanson, environmental officer for the club talked about the hide's dilapidated condition as he lives near the wood and has long been aware of the last remaining bird hide.

He said: “When the club asked for ideas for an environmental scheme to mark our diamond jubilee, I had no hesitation in offering this is a project.”

Part of the grant will be used to set up a series of lectures talking about Sir Henry, who is famous for his groundbreaking work.