BREDON HILL

Enjoy scenic views, local history and passage migrants

BREDON HILL STANDS proud within the Vale of Evesham, rising to nearly 300 metres, and lies within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The summit offers extensive views over the Cotswolds, Vale of Evesham and Malvern Hills, while earthworks are remains of an Iron Age hill fort. Part of the hillside is a designated SSSI and is notable for invertebrates, ancient trees and wildflowers. The Banbury Stone Tower at the summit (or Parsons Folly as it is also known) was built in the mid-18th Century for John Parsons, the Squire of Kemerton Court. The summit is a good migration watch-point (although a bit of a trek) during spring and autumn, when the area is notable for passage Ring Ouzel and Wheatear, while a good ear may pick out the flight call of Snow Bunting in late autumn, and a recent Shore Lark was a fabulous find. Redstarts and Tree Pipits breed, while Spotted Flycatchers nest in surrounding villages. It’s a pretty area so there are plenty of photographic opportunities, check the weather forecast for a fine day and you won’t be disappointed.