The Hill and Park.

Bomford Hill is one of the largest public green areas in the North part of the Church Hill District of Redditch in Worcestershire.

It is located in a leafy residential area between Redstone Close, Paxford Close and borders on to Paper Mill Drive. Not many of its existence or location, so we need to make sure they know about this fantastic green space and appeal for people to become ‘Friends of Bomford Hill’ to aid its makeover and future.

The hill itself appears natural, but it has been quarried in several places. The ‘amphitheatre’ is definitely not natural, as it is too perfectly shaped. It might be a modified quarry, or perhaps there was a natural depression that has been modified and sculptured. The historic ordnance survey maps show all the small quarries, but not the amphitheatre, which would suggest that it post-dates 1938.

The far side is covered with Forest, that was planted by the New Town Commission in the 1970’s when the Church Hill housing estates were built, the forest is currently managed by Redditch Borough Council and The Forestry Commission.

Bomford History

Looking at the historic maps in addition to the aerial photographs, it appears that it is certainly man-made although may be quite late in date i.e. 20th century but this is no means certain.

The land was flat and most likely a wild deer park, until 1970’s when The Redditch Development Corporation created a well thought out, laid out open space, bordered with different species of trees.

Small avenues bordered with trees led up to an amphitheater styled hill, landscaped with ‘ridges’ to form a supposed seating area for outdoor performances.

Sadly no images of Bomford in its hey-day exist that we can find. But will keep on searching.

Theses paths lead to a decking area from upon you could sit and take in the views, or perhaps have a wander in the forest or take in the distant locations from the compass point at its head. On a clear day you could see for miles.

Sadly due to lack of maintenance, the area became a wild grassy and boggy area that was inaccessible to most.

Bomford Timeline

1945

A deer park and fields, pools, bogs with hedges and small forests cover the area.

1978

Bomford Hill Park designed and landscaped by Redditch Development Cooperation. Using removed material from the leveling and construction of the former School site. Paths are installed along with benches. Records suggest the amphitheater was created for performance use, but this was never utilized.

1985

Bomford Hill Park upgraded by Redditch Borough Council. The Hill is managed by Redditch Borough Council and The Forestry Commission. Who install a new play park, toppscope and benches.

1990s

Bomford Hill Park taken back by nature, the paths are lost and the benches are taken out along with the summit seating terrace. The views are gone, nature takes over.

2015

I suggest to a local group that have bid for lottery funding that the park should be restored to how it was, to allow the community to benefit from it as those before.

2017

Drainage pipes, swales and ditches are installed to prevent flooding of local pathways and properties.

2018

Money from the National Lottery award to the local community pays for a monument installation on the summit.

2021

A pathway is reinstated on the east side of the hill to give access up to the summit monument.

2022

Bomford is accessible to most from the foot of the hill on the east side, from Paxford Close.

Bomford Hill Park

Something for everyone

Walks

Bomford offers Parkland an Woodland Walks among the trees. Walk with your friends or your dog.

Cycling

Why not ride your mountain bike at Bomford Hill. Bomford is on the local cycle route to Birmingham.

Green Space

Bomford offers green space for walking, chilling out and exploring.

View Point

Bomford offers a viewpoint across the north part of the town.