Both the A35 and A30 roads are easily accessed through narrow winding lanes and the nearest station at Axminster is about three miles to the west.
Many of the dwellings are currently occupied by semi-retired people, who seek a country life in tranquil surroundings. Older residents are of very long standing and have always lived in the immediate neighbourhood. There is no shop, but the small Chapel of Ease serves as a meeting place, and regular services are held on Sundays. One pupil attends the Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis; the residents are mainly sixty-five or over however, and six of the houses are only occasionally occupied for holidays. Two properties are currently for sale. The National Trust owns both Lambert’s Castle and Coney’s Castle with the usual protective regulations and restrictions in place. A number of hedgerows are also protected by law throughout the area.
Much of the land is grazing, being too steep, wet and stony to plough, and the area boasts innumerable springs, while shifting greensand soil prevents development. Forestry has been part of the landscape of Wootton Hill for many years and Charmouth Forest currently has many visitors, all enjoying the flora and fauna. Although recently felled in places, replanting with broadleaved trees has already renewed much of this woodland.
A single line of electricity pylons passes between Lambert’s Castle Hill and Coney’s Castle and this is the only sign of the march of progress in this green and peaceful valley.
(Sue Herman)