Amphitheatre move for Pontesford Hill

Proposals have been submitted to Shropshire Council to bring in a series of new activities on Pontesford Hill, in Pontesbury near Shrewsbury.

Agents for the scheme said the overhaul is designed "to protect the future of Pontesford Hill" after several incidents of anti-social behaviour at the site were reported to police in the last few years.

The Forestry Commission sold the hill to a private buyer in October 2010, despite efforts by the local community to purchase it themselves after setting up a group called Friends of Pontesford Hill.

Now applicant Simon Hutchen has put forward plans to make a series of changes to the commercial woodland, which is a designated site of special scientific interest.

A report by consultancy BoA Designs in support of the scheme said the outdoor amphitheatre could be used by local schools and drama groups, while the replica Iron Age Camp would be an educational area for community use.

The report added part of the hill could be set aside for natural burials.

It said: "The interest in and demand for natural burial has grown in recent years as an alternative option for people concerned about the potential environmental impacts of modern funerals.

"Interest in natural burials has grown as people have become increasingly concerned about the emissions and fuel-use associated with cremation, the use of stone for memorials, or the use of formaldehyde for embalming, which has an adverse effect upon groundwater. Clients will be encouraged to mark the grave with a native broadleaved tree. Using the natural burials to replace the non-native trees with broadleaved native species will have a long-term benefit for Pontesford Hill Wood."

The report added: "These proposals are designed to protect the future of Pontesford Hill and to create an environment in which local children and adults can learn about the history of their county."