A wonderful green space in the town is being highlighted by the mayor - and he's urging everyone to be mindful when out and about in the countryside.

Allington Hill is maintained by a group of volunteers - the Allington Hillbillies - and as well as providing a beautiful place to walk, also offers learning areas, an accessible area for wheelchairs and pushchairs and a playground.

Bridport mayor, councillor Ian Bark, said: "Alington is a favourite place for us to walk at any time of year. My wife and I usually approach it from the top of Park Road but you can also approach from Hospital Lane.

"It is a hill and by definition the approach along the footpath involves a steady climb which does wonders for increasing your heart rate.

"Once at the top you are on open, pretty flat ground which offers, on a clear day, 360-degree panoramic views to the coast and inland."

Cllr Bark spoke to Cathy Harvey to finds out more about the Allington Hillbillies and what they have been able to do in the past year.

She said: "The last 12 months have been very challenging for the Allington Hillbillies.

"After the Forestry Commission confirmed in early 2020 that we had significant Ash die back in the woodland, we took the hard decision to start felling. It was a proactive step to allow us space to replant with a wider diversity of trees.

"The ash timber was used to restore Cooper's Circle, a well used forest school area. We were helped by volunteers from Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and students from Colfox school. Funding from the National lottery also helped the project. Although it never stopped raining and we were wallowing in mud, we almost finished the project before the first lockdown in March 2020."

With many volunteers shielding, the focus was on maintaining the area for the benefit of the local community.

Volunteers who were able kept the bins empty and the paths maintained, which were cut much wider to allow for two metre distancing wherever possible.

Throughout May volunteers recorded the life of the hill, everything from fledgling birds, foxes, deer and also the people who were visiting the area and shared this on social media. The volunteers who were shielding researched many outdoor activities for young and old and posted them on social media.

Kathy added: "After a long wait, the construction of our wellbeing area started in the late spring. Due to bad weather, this had been postponed from the previous year and then further delays with lock down.

"Over the early summer, Bridport Community Shed made a work bench with wheel chair access and volunteers made the rest of the seating. This meant that in the future anyone who has mobility problems will be able to access a green space for wellbeing.

"We quietly carried on maintaining the flower meadow and ensuring it was kept a safe place for people to continue visiting.

"Autumn was upon us and our winter working parties of conservation work were planned. Little got done due to lockdown and our efforts yet again turned to felling more Ash. This time we managed to sell the timber to fund the project ensuring it was cost neutral for the volunteer group and not a financial burden for Allington Parish Council who lease the land. The remaining brash has been made into dead hedges and bug hotels, which are fantastic habitat for wildlife.

"We now have more trees to plant, five different native species (no Ash!) to improve the diversity of the wood. We are so lucky to have such dedicated volunteers who found ways to ensure they could carry on volunteering."

The Allington Hillbillies are now planning wellbeing events for the future for all age groups and abilities.

Kathy said: "The volunteers are hoping to run a simple tea and cake session in the wellbeing area, where people can meet safely in the open air. We have been working with local activity providers the NHS and local well-being organisations to introduce outdoor art classes, adult activity groups and Mum and toddler sessions. We are especially interested to hear from local groups who would be interested in using the area for their own activities or anyone wishing to take part in wellbeing events."

Cllr Bark thanked the Allington Hillbillies on behalf of everyone who enjoys walking on the hill for taking such great care of it.

He added: "A plea to all who visit the hills and open spaces that surround Bridport, remember you are visiting somewhere that wildlife and animals call home. This is particularly important at this time of year; ground nesting birds and other young animals are particularly vulnerable.

"Every year we hear of sheep in particular, but other wild creatures being chased and even killed by out of control dogs.

"It is important that when out on our daily exercise, family walks, or dog walking that we all stick to footpaths and exuberant children and dogs are kept under control. Please think of the hills and open spaces as a home and treat them in the same way as you would when visiting someone's living space.

"Litter is not only unsightly it is potentially extremely harmful to wildlife and domesticated animals – please take it away with you when you leave."