7 minute read
YOUR STORIES
YOUR STORIES
CARING FOR OFFA'S DYKE
Monitor volunteer Jonathan Cooke tells us why Offa’s Dyke is so important to him.
It all began when the Offa’s Dyke longdistance trail opened and I was still in school in Cardiff. I don’t remember why four of us decided to hike camp the walk and I had certainly had no idea of the impact that decision would have on me! But walk it we did. Using our Frank
Noble guide, we began the trail just as
Sir John Hunt was finishing his ‘opening’ walk so we must have been amongst the first groups to have completed it.
Living near Offa's Dyke Living in Cardiff and then Bristol, I kept a general interest in Offa’s Dyke, occasionally walking various short sections, reading about it and becoming a member of the Offa’s Dyke Association. However, as I neared retirement, I was keen again to tackle the whole trail. So, in August 2011 my wife and I began the trail, walking the various parts during the school holidays, but this time staying in accommodation.
I never intended to live so close to Offa’s Dyke, but following retirement in 2017, Offa called and we moved to a house very near the earthwork. The move strengthened my interest in its history and our walks became more frequent. Then, last year, I heard of an opportunity I could not pass up – English Heritage were advertising for Offa’s Dyke monitor volunteers and I was delighted to accept their offer of appointment.
The role of a monitor Along with another volunteer, we monitor the 3-mile section north of Tintern Quarry in Gloucestershire, which English Heritage manages. The footpath is well used as it provides a lovely walk with super views overlooking Tintern Abbey. Our main responsibility is walking the section on a regular basis and reporting back to English Heritage on any problems found on the Dyke and footpath. The role also includes supporting the programme of tree thinning, monitoring fresh badger activity, checking and cleaning signage and of course engaging with the public. One thing I was not expecting, however, was the amount of litter I have found. However, as this section is very popular, sadly I expect my litter picker to become even more active as we get fully into summer. Public engagement I began the monitoring last October, following my induction, and it was great to be able to get some exercise and fresh air while we were in lockdown. Despite starting in the winter with its wet and windy weather, I enjoyed every minute trudging through mud in my boots and gaiters! As spring turns into summer I have been rewarded with bird song, new green growth and wonderful views – a delightful accompaniment to the task.
A very pleasing part of the role is interacting with the public, helping them to enjoy their visit. They range from serious walkers who are just starting out or nearing the end of the long-distance trail, to families out and about for a few hours enjoying a stroll. Questions I get asked are many and varied, from what is the history of the earthwork, how do we get down to Tintern, to how muddy is the path and what was I doing? I use
PLAN YOUR VISIT You can find out more about this free-to-enter site by visiting www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/offas-dyke
every opportunity I can to promote the Dyke and, of course, English Heritage’s role in preserving history’s special places.
Despite the problems caused by the pandemic, English Heritage have been very supportive and we have been made to feel valued members of the team. It is most interesting being involved in site meetings and really rewarding to see issues we raised being addressed: it gives a real sense of a job well done.
Fifty years ago, I first walked Offa’s Dyke; now I am helping to care for it. I realise that I only play a small part compared to many other people; however, I get great satisfaction from feeling that I am giving a little back for the lifetime of pleasure it has given me. If I can encourage others to learn, walk and care about the Dyke then I am well rewarded.
Thank you, English Heritage, for this opportunity and of course, thank you, Offa. ■
Main image Jonathan admires the view across the valley Above Making sure the interpretation boards are kept clean enough to be read by visitors Right Keeping trails and paths free from litter, for visitors and wildlife to enjoy
OUR HEROES
GIVING THE WORLD ACCESS TO HADRIAN'S WALL
Sophie Hearn, territory volunteer manager in the North, tells us about a project to create a range of multilingual resources.
The pandemic brought a lot to a standstill but, for free-to-enter sites along Hadrian’s Wall, it gave some time to reflect on their visitor offer and begin to build something new. Hadrian’s Wall, synonymous with its iconic landscapes, ancient history and varied weather, stretches a total of 73 miles coast to coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it once marked the edge of the Roman Empire and, in 2021, it inspired a new approach to volunteer participation.
A new project In April, volunteers came together remotely to help pilot a new project along Hadrian’s Wall. Tasked with eventually creating a range of multilingual resources that can be used by international visitors to tell the story of the Wall, the volunteers started their valuable work by researching what multilingual materials were already in existence for visitors to use in this spectacular landscape. From walking leaflets, apps, books and audio guides, our volunteers carefully reviewed the current visitor offer and gave recommendations for improvement. ►
Language skills With the support of a project lead volunteer, 19 volunteers gave their time and language skills to help pave the way towards diversifying our visitor offer and creating a resource which will be accessible to our international audiences. The volunteer team has now completed its initial research phase, and many have already signed up to be part of the second phase. This next phase will see volunteers working in teams to translate material to input into the resource they have designed. Home-based working This exciting project has grown organically, and the volunteers have been passionate about achieving the end result. Every stage of this programme has been designed so that volunteers can help from home – wherever home may be. From Scotland down to Cornwall, reaching across the Channel to France and sweeping
through Spain, Italy, Austria and Egypt, the geographical distribution of individuals interested in helping on this programme encompassed the same areas that were once part My ancestors of the Roman Empire. This is a new type of volunteering that, before the might have built pandemic, we would probably never it; it is only fair have envisioned. Hadrian’s Wall was built by I help to create people who had roots across Europe, something new and this translation project is an acknowledgement of that wonderful legacy. As one volunteer noted: ‘My ancestors might have built it; it is only fair I help to create something new.’ ■
GET INVOLVED Find out more about this home-based role at www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ volunteer/hadrians-wall-translation-audit-volunteer
