Resources

A walk exploring Burrington Ham, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which features specialised limestone grassland and wild flowers, together with dramatic rocky outcrops, the impressive earthworks of Burrington Camp, and evidence of lead and calamine (zinc) extraction.

Discover how over thousands of years streams flowing over the impermeable sandstone rocks of Black Down onto the permeable limestone rocks of Burrington Combe have worn away cracks in the rocks to produce a series of sink holes known as swallets as well as creating caves. Many of these caves were homes to nomadic humans as well as animals over 10,000 years ago. Caves that are sited on the Ham include Foxes Hole, Lionel’s Hole, Milliar’s Cave, and Plumley’s Hole.

Discover how,using lights and fires, Black Down was made to resemble a poorly blacked-out Bristol at night to divert bombs away from the city.

Discover how Burrington Combe was created during periglacial periods over the past 1.2 million years. Today Burrington Combe provides a well-exposed section through the complete Carboniferous Limestone sequence (359 to 259 million years ago).

Discover how successful Starfish on Blackdown was at diverting bombing raids away from Bristol.

Discover the industrial past of Burrington Ham from limestone quarrying and lime burning to mining for lead and calamine.

Discover the fascinating history of farming and land-use on the Burrington Commons.

Discover how the natural history and character of Burrington ham have changed over the years.

A permanent orienteering course on Burrington Ham which can be used for formal orienteering training by schools or uniformed groups or just as a day out for families to have fun and discover the natural and historic wonders of the commons.

Discover the history of tourism and recreation at the Burrington Commons.