50 years of friendship at Robinswood Hill
"These are the green lungs of Gloucester"
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My second back-to-back featured piece this Sunday is a feature on an independent society celebrating 50 years of friendship.
When we think of Gloucester as the county’s only city, urban life for some of us can take its toll. It is a busy life, one where green spaces are cherished - exactly the reason why we sometimes need a hill to climb and take in the views.
Robinswood Hill at 198 metres above sea level does exactly that with a wide panorama over the city, vast views of the Malvern Hills in the distance, and on the other side a glimpse of the M5 at it rushes past Gloucester Services.
1975 was the year the Friends of Robinswood Hill began and since then the independent society has done its absolute best to show public interest in protecting a quiet space containing nature for all to enjoy.
The group work on projects to help improve amenities and access to the hill, they assist with Gloucester City Council rangers, they fundraise for activities and one of the most popular elements to the community - guided walks to the very top.
In the words of those who are involved, this is a birthday celebration for Friends of Robinswood Hill.
A little known fact is that the friends group are actually older than the country park by two days, and as chair of FORH, Andy Rodgers explains there is nothing better than taking in the scenery.
Andy said: “The best thing about FORH is helping to get people to the top of the hill who maybe have mobility issues. Our landrover trips are sadly at an end but seeing people reach the trig point is something we all cherish.
"There are not many groups that last 50 years these days so it means lot and personally I enjoy taking the guided walks.”
One fact to know is that Robinswood Hill was once an encampment during the 1643 Siege of Gloucester and there was once a brick and tile works on-site.
History is around to be told as well as nature to be explored, including night events to check out bats and glow-worms, who frequent the hill in their own numbers.
It’s a conversation with Dr Ben Klinkenberg, who is an Animal Science Lecturer at the Department of Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University.
Also co-chair of FORH, Ben has huge interest in human and wildlife interactions meaning “it is good to keep the torch going for the group to make sure nature is around for others to enjoy, he said.
“I enjoy the talks we hold whether that's about nature and the best part is the views. We have great views from the top over the Vale of Gloucester and we're a great green space between the city and the M5 viewed on the other side.”
FORH are hoping to have a community orchard area in the future, where the collective effort is there for all to see, evidenced by members Claude Elliott and Alistair Ball.
It is an effort to make sure visitors enjoy their time at Robinswood Hill, a space that was cherished further during the tough years of COVID lockdowns. The freedom to roam in a green space on your doorstep is something we maybe take for granted.
Claude said: “It is amazing that the group has actually been able to keep sustaining itself for half a century, because quite often the easiest bit is starting something off. Maintaining it and getting the interest for people to give their time up for walks and talks, that's what is really pleasing.
As a previous treasurer for ten years, Alastair knows the hill like the back of his hand after walking his dogs most days around the site.
“I’m very pleased because we are still going strong after all these years, Alastair said. I really enjoy helping something thrive in the city’s community and meeting new people has always been a great part of being involved.
“COVID did see a few changes but in a slightly positive way because I think more people discovered Robinswood Hill as an important green space. These are the green lungs of Gloucester.”