Kelston Roundhill ________#LeaveNoTrace

Gerald’s delicate touch with the big digger.

He has a refined technique of removing the topsoil, levelling the clay underneath then replacing topsoil.

We want to get grass sown soon while it’s still faintly warm and wet.

Gerald dug a hole for the tree in about 90 seconds before getting on to the serious business of levelling. 

Meanwhile this Land Rover, beautifully restored by Arkonik showed up for a photo shoot

Wait till you see the proper photos done for Arkonik by Weston-born pro photographer James.

Opening the view and creating a possible second stage area above the south wall.

Hayley, Harry and Lorna set out plans and assess the need for some heavy lifting.

Hawthorn down. Now we’re really opening up the view to the south.

Help comes over the hill in the form of Gerald and his big digger.

Gerald makes quick work of the pile of big wood. Tomorrow: earth-moving.

Photos: William Heath

Bonfire, clearing, strimming and trimming in bright summery late September heat.

We discussed location of new walnut tree, hedge cutting and laying, bramble management, drainage and tracks with our very knowledgeable and practical neighbour Paul.

Daisies in the walls seem to be surviving. We’re looking at a swing in the ash tree.

Photos: Harriet Tayler

Kelston Roundhill Autumnal Glow: etching by Rachel Wilcox.

We came across this striking image of Kelston Roundhill online, and contacted the artist Rachel Wilcox. We were pleased to hear back from her, telling us her work and how she sees the landscape:

The image of Kelston Roundhill Autumnal glow is a large sized etching that I made last year in October measuring 50×50 cm.

I have lived nearby the hill in Upton Cheyney for many years so I am fortunate to see and visit it during the differing seasons of the year.

For me it is a dominant part of my local landscape and it shows many different characteristics throughout the year and time of day and night.

In the winter it is a backdrop for bright silver moons and dark skies. In the autumn it glows in low sunsets which inspired this image .

Its surrounding hillside provides me with wonderful textures to draw – especially from the north side where new woodland has been planted.

From this racecourse access side you can also see the hill with its relationship with other hills …I am particularly thinking of Stantonbury Hill which you can view beyond Kelston Roundhill.
They seem to have some mystical connection!

Kelston Roundhill Winter: etching with aquatint by Rachel Wilcox.

Rachel also sent this second image, printed in black to emphasise the hills’ distinctive nature in winter, and writes:

I continue to be fascinated by this Roundhill and will continue to make further works around it.

Rachel’s prints are for sale: her web site is here. She prints by hand on a etching press at Bath Artist Printmakers workshop in Larkhall Bath where she is a co director. She can also offer greetings cards of the black image for sale.

This graphite sketch of the view of Bath from 1833 was recently sold by Sulis Fine Art

Grim weather receded and again we worked in sunshine. Won’t always be like this…

Can we rescue this from brambles and nettles and make it an area kids will want to explore?

Prepping the saws: filing, oiling etc.

If you want to join a guided land improvement working party up at the Old Barn email kelstonroundhill@gmail.com. Lots to do.