Troopers Hill is a unique Local Nature Reserve in Bristol which offers the visitor wonderful views of the Avon Valley and the City.  The tall chimney standing on top of Troopers Hill is a characteristic landmark of east Bristol.  The famous chimney was built to take fumes from industrial works at the bottom of the hill and may date from as early as the eighteenth century. Troopers Hill was quarried for pennant sandstone and mined for coal and fire clay at various times in its past.

The unusual geology of Troopers Hill is the reason for the site's ecological importance. The pennant sandstone on the hill results in acidic soils which support a heathland habitat found nowhere else in Bristol. Ling and bell heather cover the hill in purple flowers in late summer, with the attractive yellow flowers of broom seen earlier in the year.  Over 20 species of butterfly are recorded on the Hill and it is also home to rare mining bees that make their homes by tunneling into the sandy soils.  The Reserve was recently awarded a green flag in recognition of its high quality as a community green space.

Access

Public access is from Troopers Hill Road or Malvern Road. A hard surfaced path provides easy access from the Malvern Rd to the Chimney and panoramic views.  Other paths around the site are generally are unsurfaced, often with steps and steep gradients.

Getting There

Troopers Hill is in St George,  two miles east of Bristol City Centre. You can easily walk or cycle to the site from Bristol along the River Avon Trail.  Regular buses running between Bristol and Hanham or Bath stop at the north end of the site off Summerhill Road.  There are no formal car parks but considerate parking on nearby roads is possible.

Get Involved

The Friends of Troopers Hill help protect and enhance the nature reserve. There are regular meetings and practical work days take place on the first saturday of every month from 10am - midday. New members are always very welcome: phone 0117 947 5037, email the group or visit their website.  For an up-to-date programme of wildlife events in Bristol's Local Nature Reserves phone 0117 922 3719

Leaflet & Map

Lots more information can be found on the Reserve website http://www.troopershill.org.uk/

The Countryside Code

Please follow the The Countryside Code when visiting the site and help respect, protect and enjoy our countryside and public open space.