Local people making their corner of rural Britain unique
This week
SaturdayÌý22nd September 2007
Helen MarkÌýexplores Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel - an island which has been occupied since the 12thÌýcentury yet shows few signs of human habitation.Ìý
Steep Holm, in the Bristol Channel,Ìýis the only place in Britain where theÌýnative wild peony grows. It's also home to poisonous henbane and Munjac deer; although there are no rodents, rabbits or hedgehogs. Over the years its been used byÌýVikings, Romans, Augustine brothers, warreners, Victorians, and soldiers in World War II. Now two wardens, on behalf of the ,Ìýlive there. Although each settlement has left its mark on the island,Ìý it remains curiously unspoiled and wild. With the island archaeologists Helen finds out about skeletons which have been buried since the 12th century; she hears how the Tommies entertained themselves during the war -Ìýand sheÌýtries to avoid the killer plants.
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