THE familiar landmark of Brentor is getting a makeover. 

The iconic site is known to many as the tor with the 12th century Church of St Michael perched on its summit.

Gorse has recently started to blanket the slopes of the tor and work is underway to remove it to protect the ancient remains beneath and allow a better view of its important archaeology and geology.

The work is being funded by Natural England through the Dartmoor Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme.

Most visitors climb to the summit to appreciate the magnificent views from the church, but few are aware of the historical importance of the hill itself.

Brentor is unique in being legally protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its geological formations and also as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The tor was originally formed by volcanic eruptions of lava under the sea forming the conical shape we see today made up of rare volcanic deposits.

The lumps and bumps around the site still puzzle archaeologists but some are known to be the remains of an Iron Age hill fort (built around 500BC).

Others are from a later period, especially relating to a medieval sheep fair, known to have been held from AD1231 onwards.  

Martin Longley, Natural England Adviser, said: 'In partnership with English Heritage we are ensuring the preservation of this important site which is currently classified as "at risk" due to the levels of scrub. 

'The roots of gorse mix up the soil and thereby cause destruction to buried archaeological deposits, and the tall bushes obscure the views of the intriguing earthworks and rock formations.'

Contractors are braving the elements, and removing the majority of the gorse, but also ensuring that some scrub remains for nesting birds such as Dartford Warbler, Yellowhammer and Linnet. 

Visitors can now get better access to the hill fort ramparts and appreciate the many interesting aspects of this massive volcanic outcrop at Brentor.