Half Moon Ground and the Historic Bridle Track

Following a centuries-old path through Seven Fields’ landscape

Along the bottom of Half Moon Ground runs the Bridle Path, described in documents dated 1796 as a “Bridle Road and Footpath 15 ft wide.” This historic route connects the reserve and provides a window into centuries of local travel. By the Kissing Gate at the westerly end stands a row of Crack Willow trees. Before they were pollarded, a walk on a windy day revealed why they earned their name—they often “cracked” and shed branches. On the other side of the Kissing Gate, in Greenmeadow, were once twin ponds, now filled in and built upon, reminding us of the landscape changes around the reserve.