Exploration of East Hill - August 2015

On Saturday 15th August 28 Friends and visitors enjoyed a guided walk on the East Hill.

Steve gave us a fascinating history, beginning at a time long before Hastings existed. Then, dry land stretched away to the South and what would become the River Rhine flowed where the English Channel now separates us from the rest of Europe. Then on through history; Stone Age settlements,Roman occupation, Norman invasion, Victorian and Edwardian activity, agriculture and trade. All have left their mark on the area.

Alan described the wildlife we might expect to see, pointing out a pair of Ravens, the rare nesting of Greater Black-Backed Gulls on a rooftop in the Old Town and encouraging us to look out for various bird migrations from early September to early November.

Jacqueline showed us a wide variety of plant-life and explained how the varying habitat influenced what grew where, showing as an example, Hairy Sedge and indicating the area where it was growing. And Jill showed us the Alexanders plant, the seeds of which we were told could be used as a pepper substitute.

Their combined knowledge and enthusiasm made for a most enjoyable walk. Thank you to them all.