The National Trust announced this morning that it has bought Hambledon Hill, near Blandford, the seventh Iron Age fort in Dorset to come under its ownership. Here are twelve pictures that illustrate why it's so special. Lots of these images are from the Echo's Flickr groups. You can join in here.
Have you got a corker of a picture from Hambledon Hilll? Email it to digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk
- The view from the top of Hambledon Hill, supplied by the National Trust
2. Hambledon Hill from the air, by Richard Crease, with the help of Bournemouth Helicopters
3. Bathed in late afternoon sun, by Marilyn Peddle
4. Sunset, by Peter Spencer
5. Another sunset, by Marilyn Peddle
6. Dramatic clouds, by Marilyn Peddle
7. Winter on Hambledon, by Marilyn Peddle
8. Mists in the Blackmore Vale, by Marilyn Peddle. Volunteer Jerry Broadway says being on top of Hambledon Hill when it's misty is like "riding a whale".
9. In this photo, also by Marilyn, you can see the top of Hambledon Hill sticking out of the mist covering the Blackmore Vale.
10. By Nigel Bailey on Flickr
11. Hambledon Hill in winter, by Marilyn Peddle again
12. And another from Marilyn, this time at sunrise
We asked Marilyn what is is about Hambledon Hill which makes it so special to her.
She said: "I am Dorset born and bred and I have lived in the village of Child Okeford for well over 14 years. The hill dominates our landscape, when I wake up in the morning I see the hill in all its moods before I even get out of bed.
"It's a special place for me for many reasons: its history, the people who have lived on and around the hill for 1000’s of years; they have walked where I walk now.
"The tough climb to the top is well worth it for the breath taking views and the feeling of peace and tranquillity as you look across the Blackmore vale (Thomas Hardy’s Vale of Little Dairies), which seems to change little.
"Whichever way you turn there are more views, views towards the hillside town of Shaftesbury, Win Green and Spread Eagle Hills and on a good day Bournemouth, Poole and the Purbecks.
"The chalk land of the hill provides habitat for many rare flowers like orchids and butterflies; you can often see Buzzards and Hawks using the thermals to soar high in the air. Even the grazing of the cows in the summer and the sheep in winter adds to the landscape.
"Every day is different -even walking morning and evening in the valley with my dogs the hill always surprises and delights and there is always chance for another photograph. Returning from a journey when I see ‘The hill’ I know I am nearly home."
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