Little Roar Gill (photo courtesy SWT).
Rebirth of Little Roar
Late last year saw the rebirth of Little Roar Gill waterfall in Alexandra Park with help from Sussex Wildlife Trust, Hastings Borough Council and local volunteers. HOT’s newest contributor Alice Hull went along to the opening ceremony.
Languidly it breathes,
Muttering murmurings to a tuned ear.
Volunteers working on Little Roar improvements (photo courtesy SWT).
Carelessly it whispers its secrets
To any that will hear.
Scattered silences weigh heavy on the rocks,
The flirtatious winks of the past.
And a glimpse of gothic splendour
Illuminates a history at last.
-by Alice Hull
Little Roar Gill is a hidden gem in the heart of Alexandra Park that for many had become shrouded in the fog of memory. Fortunately thanks to the Access to Nature project which is run by Sussex Wildlife Trust and other partners and volunteers, the memory of Little Roar was to be reborn and the beauty of this ancient waterfall rekindled, quite literally! Under the bright light of a quarter moon, reflecting flaming torches that lined the re-formed path, Little Roar awaited those who attended the opening ceremony with glittering anticipation and secretive wonder.
The team and volunteers (photo courtesy SWT).
The Access to Nature project is about sparking an interest in nature, its beauty and even the history of our landscape especially for those of us who aren’t altogether ‘outdoorsy’. Many people are simply unaware that behind the dominating doors of the hectic modern world, there are numerous green spaces filled with nothing but the quiet blissful beauty of nature. Others, for various reasons, just may not be able to take full advantage of such places.
Access to Nature hopes to give people the confidence to seek, engage with and benefit from the outdoors.
Now, after having been formally handed back to the town, Little Roar falls represents a small part of the wondrous natural beauty that enriches Hastings and St Leonards.
For further information contact Sussex Wildlife Trust.
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1 Comment
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The so called Little Roar waterfall is nothing in comparison to the main fall which can be accessed off Old Roar Road but is not easy to see/experience due to lack of maintenance by HBC. In the late Victorian period the upper fall was quite a tourist attraction and could certainly add to the quality and attraction of the local environment if properly opened up to full public access. Indeed, the park could form the lower section of a pedestrian and cycle route along the gill as far as the Conquest Hospital if there was sufficient political and voluntary labour input.
Comment by ken davis — Monday, Feb 16, 2015 @ 17:36