Barren Ground, St Helena

Barren Ground
St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Location
Island:	St Helena
Location:	15°58’49"S, 5°45’0"W
Data
Local Government
Council:	Blue Hill

Barren Ground is a settlement at the western end of the island of St Helena, north-west of Blue Hill (and within the like-named district).

Geography

Barren Ground sits at the top of Swanley Valley and Old Woman's Valley, about 2,300 feet above sea level. The scenery is dominated by High Hill to the west and The Saddle to the north. Despite the name, the area is fertile, but due to the steepness of the terrain is largely woodland.

In St Helena's 2008 Land Development Plan, Barren Ground is marked as an area for additional housing development.

Communications

Road access to Barren Ground is by way of Blue Hill. The journey time into Jamestown is about 30 minutes. The road into Barren Ground heads north-east from Blue Hill and, if extended, would reach Head O'Wain, thus shortening the journey into Jamestown.

It is possible to reach the sea on foot by descending Swanley Valley or Old Woman's Valley, but this is not an advertised route due to its difficulty.

The area is served by the island's telephone network and Broadband Internet access is available. The nearest call box is beside the bus stop at Redgate, Blue Hill Village.

Astronomy

The sparse population makes the area potentially ideal for astronomy, due to minimal light pollution. However, cloud cover can be a problem as Barren Ground is situated in the lee of the main ridge of the island.

Shopping

There are no shops in Barren Ground. The nearest retail outlet is the Blue Hill shop, on the western side of Blue Hill.

Industry and Employment

There is no local manufacturing industry and most people work outside the Barren Ground area. Some residents work from home and one business has its base in the area.

Outside links

• Burgh House Limited, based in Barren Ground, with local information
• family.burghhouse.com a Barren Ground family site
• Burgh House - Barren Ground