Our Story
Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Emma Thornton and James Carver, Hillside Herald began as a small passion project in a cozy Bristol café. Emma, a journalist with a love for the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, and James, a photographer captivated by the rugged beauty of the Mendip Hills, shared a vision: to create a platform that celebrates the vibrant communities and stunning landscapes of South West England and South Wales. What started as a monthly newsletter, printed and distributed by hand in local villages, has grown into the region’s most trusted online news source, covering Cardiff, Newport, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Cheltenham, and Stroud.
The name Hillside Herald was inspired by a memorable hike the duo took in the Cotswolds AONB, where they stood atop a hill overlooking the patchwork fields and vowed to “herald” the stories of the people and places they loved. Over the years, we’ve stayed true to that promise, shining a light on everything from community initiatives in Newport to environmental efforts in the Mendip Hills.