THE ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort are clearly visible for the first time in 50 years and plans are in place to protect them for future generations.

Malvern Hills Conservators helped to preserve Midsummer Hill thanks to £3,800 from Natural England, in a partnership which also included the National Trust, which owns the site, and English Heritage.

The plan for the nine-acre site, which is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is to create a walking route around the base of the first rampart.

Scrub and secondary woodland have been cleared from the area and the work is hoped to allow the species-rich acid grassland to thrive and wildlife to flourish.

Conservators deputy conservation officer Jennifer Grantham said: “We’re really pleased with the work so far and are excited to see the final result in the future.

“Unlike the British Camp Iron Age hillfort, the ancient earthworks of Midsummer are barely recognisable so the management will improve the visibility of the earthwork as well as protecting the ancient archaeology for future generations and enhancing wildlife.”

National Trust countryside manager for Herefordshire Iain Carter said: “It looks fantastic. The ramparts are now clearly visible and all of a sudden you can understand the shape of the hillfort.”

Katey Stephen, Herefordshire land management and conservation adviser for Natural England, said: “The current management on Midsummer Hill aims to restore the habitat where it has been lost through the absence of grazing, while also protecting the nationally important archaeology of the area.”