Telegraph Hill and its ancient
wood, is a very interesting place at any time of year but it looks amazing in
the Autumn. I always try to come for a wander here when the Chestnuts are
dropping and believe me, there are plenty of them to drop.
The landscape is fascinating and
the name Telegraph stems from a shutter signalling station that existed here
during the Napoleonic Wars. The remains of an historic Armada beacon, is still
visible atop the hill (it must have been one hell of a bonfire). Looking even further
back into time, the remains of an Iron Age Hill Fort can be found, further into
the woods. Other craters and holes look as if they could have been formed by
bombs, I’m no expert though, just an amateur scrutineer.
I always enjoy a short run around
a steep hill fort and the ramparts of the enclosure must have proved a pretty
grim obstacle for any enemy. Now though the hillsides are covered by pine
trees. The coniferous trees give the place an eerily quiet atmosphere; the
dropped needles and lack of light are enough to stifle any growth under the
canopy.
Part of the woods though, is given
over to Chestnut coppicing. The yellow of the autumnal leaves, with the
sunlight glimmering through them, highlights the carpet of spiky husks and shiny mahogany
nuts and this is a magical sight to behold.
Unsurprisingly, squirrels abound
in this perfect place, as do dog walkers and mountain bike riders. They (the
squirrels) scuttle around on the floor, before scampering off to feast on their
findings or bury them in some secret spot. While I was there exploring the
area, I filled my pockets with the fattest chestnuts I could steal away from
the cheeky rodents.
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