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The Summerhill Countryside
countryside activities

Catcote Village Archaeological Site
Catcote Village is a settlement that existed 2,000 years ago.  Although there is nothing to see at ground level, below ground archaeologists have discovered remains of what was a major indigenous farming settlement that spanned 200BC to 400AD.  There is an exhibition about ‘Catcote Village’ in the Visitor Centre.

 

Sculpture & Arts
There are a number of sculptures and arts features around Summerhill.  Pick up a guide leaflet to search for giant metal insects, the Brooklyn Hare and the Longscar Sound Beacon – a feature that plays a specially composed song to those who stand underneath it.

Hedgerows
The hedgerows around Summerhill are the oldest habitat for wildlife.  The network of hedgerows, some of which are over 200 years old, have been incorporated into the site.  The hedges are managed and new hedgerows have been planted.

  Wetlands
Summerhill has a small pond beside the Visitor Centre and a number of wetlands around the site.  We do not have any fishing lakes!  Rather the wetlands tends to fill up in the winter and dry out in the summer – a great habitat for amphibians, bugs and beetles.

Cross Country Routes
Summerhill is a major venue for cross-country running competitions.  Tracks and paths around the site have been highlighted events providing undulating (and muddy!) courses for the off-road runner and cyclist.

  New Woodland
Summerhill’s largest contribution to the wildlife is that the site has established 26 hectares of new woodland.  The woodland has been planted to create different habitats from coppice and open canopy to primary woodland of ash and oak.
Meadows
There are several meadows around Summerhill including fields that have been re-seeded.  To promote wildlife the meadows are under low intensity management, cut and bailed once during the summer.
 

Orienteering
Summerhill has been mapped for orienteering and a permanent course set.  We run a variety of orienteering activities from school competitions to smaller fun picture quizzes.

Access Routes
Summerhill allows access for cyclists, walkers and horse riders.  There is a 2km ‘multi-user route’ that travels around Summerhill as well as other tracks.
   
 
Summerhill is owned and managed by Hartlepool Borough Council. All content © 2006 Summerhill