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A hillside nature reserve overlooking the River Avon with fantastic views of Bristol and much wildlife

Troopers Hill is great for flying kites as it's always windy and free guided tours are run by the Friends of Trooper's Hill Go to http://www.troopers-hill.org.uk/ (opens new window).

Overview

  • Opening hours: Open at all times
  • Admission is free.
  • No public toilets. The nearest public toilet is at St George Park.
  • Car parking available on the adjacent residential roads.
  • Parking on Malvern Road provides the easiest access for those with limited mobility. From here, you can reach the top of the hill by avoiding a steep climb.
  • Wheelchair accessible path at the top of the hill but the rest of the paths are unsurfaced and there are some sections of steep steps. Beware of steep cliff edges.

How do I get there

Troopers Hill is situated in St George, east Bristol, between the A431 Air Balloon Road and Crews Hole Road. These roads are linked by Troopers Hill Road, from which there are four pedestrian entrances on to the site. You can also cross Troopers Hill Field from Summerhill Terrace and Malvern Road.

Address
Trooper's Hill, off Trooper's Hill Road, BS5 8XX

Map
Google map of Trooper's Hill

Community support

The Friends of Troopers Hill are a group of local residents interested in protecting and enhancing the nature reserve. They have regular meetings and organise work days and events. New members are always very welcome.

History

In the 1600s, the hill was part of a large royal hunting forest. In the late 1700s, the tall chimney on top of the hill was used for copper smelting and later, in the 1800s, coal and fireclay were mined from the hill. The square chimney at the foot of the hill is the remains of an engine house used by the coal mine.

As development spread in Bristol, the steep slopes and tipped quarry waste deterred builders from developing the site and 1956, the council bought the land for the enjoyment of local residents.

Troopers Hill was declared as a Local Nature Reserve in 1995 in recognition of the wide range of wildlife present on the hill and its importance as a unique habitat in the Bristol area due to the presence of acidic soils.

Awards

  • Green Flag Award winning site 2007 to 2013
  • Site of Nature Conservation Interest