Apart from a few isolated cottages, Blue Hill is empty – of people at least. It has been suggested that the population of farm animals exceeds that of people by a wide margin!
Two geological structures dominate the area: High Peak, on the volcanic ridge between Blue Hill and Sandy Bay; and High Hill, an isolated formation in the north west that overlooks Blue Hill Village. The road from Jamestown towards Blue Hill goes along a ridge and on a clear day there are magnificent views to both sides of the island.
There is a Community Centre in Blue Hill Village which holds Dances a few times a year, along with recreational ‘camping’ – not sleeping under canvass, but in the old school buildings adjacent to the Community Centre. True camping takes place at Thompson’s Wood and at Horse Pasture, which is also a favoured a picnic area.
There is a small shop in Blue Hill Village, a Baptist Chapel at Head o’Wain and an Anglican Church, “St. Helena and The Cross”, just next to The Depot. And most of the island’s donkeys live in fields alongside the main road at Casons. Apart from agriculture there is no local employment.
Boer Prisoners
Following the Boer war in South Africa, Boer Prisoners were sent to the island and camped at Broad Bottom in Blue Hill.
More about the Boer Prisoners here.
Wirebirds
There are two major Wirebird sites in the district: Broad Bottom (the eco resort plans have been adapted round them) and at Man & Horse.
More about Wirebirds here.
Future developments
In 2002 the developer Shelco announced plans for a luxury eco resort to be built at Broad Bottom. SHELCO bought the land a short while later and obtained planning permission in 2012, but at the time of writing construction has not begun. If the resort is completed as planned the resort’s residents will almost double the population of Blue Hill, and the resort will generate many local jobs and one significant amenity: an eighteen-hole Golf Course.