Friends' Events

---- Events for all the family ----

Bugs and Beasties August 2007

 | Public Events & Guided Walks >> |
| Conservation Work Parties >> |Meetings >> |
| St George Strollers Walks >>Past Events >> |

Coming Soon! We aim to promote awareness and interest in Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve and its varied flora and fauna - and to have fun! Come and join us.

Events at Troopers Hill are organised by Friends of Troopers Hill in conjunction with Bristol Parks who also provide insurance cover. Events are free and open to all but we do ask for donations to cover costs, you can also donate on-line. For our guided walks and some other events we require advance booking, details are shown in the the event details below.

There is no on-site parking and limited parking in local residential streets. Please use active travel or come by bus if possible, if you arrive by car please park with consideration for local residents.

More about visiting Troopers Hill, directions, accessibility and looking after yourself & our wildlife while you are here >>

Public Events & Guided Walks

Upcoming Events

Friends of Troopers Hill are taking a break from organising public events in Spring & Summer 2024. We will be back with guided walks and (fingers crossed) stargazing in the Autumn & Winter.

Our Conservation Work Parties and St George Strollers Walks continue throughout 2024.

Or explore Troopers Hill independently - How to get here, maps & local information >>

Recent Events

Sun 30th July 2023 - Sensory Walk - report...
Sat 12th August 2023 - Bugs & Beasties - report...
Sun 3rd September 2023 - drop in at our gazebo - report...
Sat 11th November 2023 - Fungi Foray - report...
Sat 17th February 2024 - Planetarium Shows - report...

Conservation Work Parties

Have fun and get fit helping us maintain Troopers Hill.

Book your place - Conservation sessions in small groups- weekdays and weekends.

See our Work Parties page for more details and how to book, along with reports and photos of past conservation work parties and details of corporate volunteering.

Help Fund our Nature Conservation work >>

Friends of Troopers Hill Meetings

See our Meetings page for details of our scheduled meeting and minutes of past meetings.

We hold some of our meetings on zoom and some 'in person'.

All meetings are held at 7.15 pm on Thursdays.

Sign Up for our Newsletter on Mailchimp >>

St George Strollers

Wellbeing Walks with The Strollers!

Find out more about the St George Strollers, download the latest programme and enjoy photographs of our past walks via the links below.

Contact St George Strollers at

www.troopers-hill.org.uk/strollers >>

Listing & photos of earlier St George Strollers Walks >>

Past Events

Star Gazing on Troopers Hill February / March 2024

Dark Sky Discovery SiteDark Sky Discovery SiteUnfortunately the weather beat us for the third year running, with Covid before that, we have been unable to hold a public star gazing event since February 2019!

This year, cloud and rain prevented us using the the planned dates in February so we arranged additional dates in March, but, sadly, forecast cloud cover meant that we also had to cancel those dates.

The event was to have been run for us by Bristol Astronomical Society and their secretary told us that

"It is very frustrating but continues the pattern we have had since October when I have cancelled about 97% of the star gazing sessions we had planned for our Failand Observatory."

We are going to try again in either Autumn 2024 or Spring 2025.

Troopers Hill is an 'Orion Class' Dark Sky Discovery Site
- read more at www.troopers-hill.org.uk/DarkSky

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Planetarium Shows with Immersive Theatres
Saturday 17th February 2024

Thanks to the generosity of Immersive Theatres we were able to offer short planetarium astronomy shows aimed at children.

The performances were held in an inflatable planetarium in Wesley Memorial Church Hall, Bryants Hill.

While the dome was provided free of charge, we asked for donations which covered the hire of the hall and raised well over £100 of funds to help our nature conservation work. There was a choice of three planetarium shows, each aimed at different age groups.

Show 1 lasting 25 minutes for families with children aged 5-7 (KS1)

Show 2 lasting 35 minutes for families with children aged 8-14 (KS2)

Show 3 lasting 40 minutes for adults & children aged 14+

This was a very successful afternoon, with the first show fully booked and very few spaces left for the other two.

Troopers Hill is an 'Orion Class' Dark Sky Discovery Site
- read more at www.troopers-hill.org.uk/DarkSky

Troopers Hill Fungi Foray
Saturday 11th November 2023

Brian, John and other members of the North Somerset and Bristol Fungus Group led us on a fungi foray on Troopers Hill.

On a glorious sunny morning, we again found a good range of wax caps, earthballs and puffballs as well as the classic red and white fly agaric. Some of the species found on the Hill are unique to acid grassland - 'unimproved' grassland such as that at Troopers Hill is important for fungi.

2023 Fungi Foray photos >>

List of fungi found (pdf) >>

More about fungi on Troopers Hill and lists from past surveys >>

"drop in at our gazebo"
Sunday 3rd September 2023

Our last drop in session for 2023

Lots of good conversations about the wildlife and history of Troopers Hill.

Also the Crowdfunder to buy Blackswarth Road Wood >>

Bugs & Beasties
Saturday 12th August 2023

Another disappointing day weatherwise for this year's hunt with Rupert Higgins from Wessex Ecological Consultancy to find & record the Hill's smallest inhabitants.

Sadly, due to the cloud, there was no possibility of solar observing with the Bristol Astronomical Society and the strong breeze meant that it was obvious that there would be no balloon flying, though we had had a good display the day before.

There was, though, a break in the showers that allowed an enthusiastic group of bug hunters, young and old, to produce a good list of species; before another shower meant an earlier finish than planned.

2023 Bugs & Beasties photos >>

Troopers Hill Sensory Walk
Sunday 30th July 2023

We were very pleased that local resident, Barbara Harris, volunteered to lead our first ever 'Sensory Walk' on Troopers Hill.

This gentle walk on Troopers Hill Field and the top of Troopers Hill was a chance to learn to make the most of your senses.

Troopers Hill is a feast for the eyes but what else can you experience if you try listening, smelling, touching?

It was a cloudy breezy morning, but we were fortunate to complete the walk before the rain arrived.

Barbara is currently working with the Charity Your Park to put on a series of Sensory Walks at Sydney Gardens in Bath. They hope to add walks at other venues in the future.

2023 Sensory Walk photos >>

Troopers Hill Celebration Walk
Saturday 22nd July 2023

On 22nd July 2003, Sally Oldfield, then Local Nature Reserves Officer for Bristol Parks, organised a nature walk led by Ecologist Rupert Higgins. It was this walk that first highlighted to many local residents the importance of Troopers Hill for wildlife and led to the formal establishment of Friends of Troopers Hill in December 2003.

We had planned to hold a picnic on the Hill to celebrate 20 years since the walk, but the weather did not cooperate. Instead some of those we had invited gathered for a walk in a short break in the rain to reminisce on those 20 years.

We were particularly pleased to welcome Sally and Rupert as well as Richard Fletcher, now Head of Parks for Bristol City Council.

2023 Celebration Walk photos >>

"drop in at our gazebo"
Sunday 2nd July 2023

A sunny, but very windy afternoon meant that we had to make sure our gazebo was well tied down.

Lots of chalk art on the path and some interesting conversations, particularly about the changes since Friends of Troopers Hil started 20 years ago and the history of the area in general.

There will be another drop in gazebo on Sunday 3rd September.

Troopers Hill & Crews Hole History Walk
Sunday 7th May 2023

On Coronation weekend we were pleased to have dry weather and some sunshine as 28 of us explored the history of the Troopers Hill and Crews Hole area.

We first walked down through the Woods, talking about its history as Malvern Road tip or 'mudville' as the papers in the 1960s refered to it and also the Friends family who used to live in a cottage next to the Hill.

We joined the river near the site of the Lamb Inn. We then headed towards the footbridge to St Anne's, with Rob talking about the Hit or Miss pub and Susan giving a brief history of one of its licencees, Robert Inkerman Weight. Rob also mentioned a forthcoming talk by Barton Hill History Group on the engineering company Lysaghts who built the bridge in 1957.

We then walked back up the river stopping to talk about the Wesleyan Chapel (& Archibald Vickers who laid the foundation stone in 1860) and then Butlers Tar Works.

From Conham we made our way up the Deer Path to Dundridge Park before heading through the lanes towards Troopers Hill where we talked about the White House and Rob showed the photograph of the 1953 Coronation celebrations at Crews Hole Methodist Chapel. Walking up the Hill we stopped to talk about coal mining and the Hill's wildlife at which point we were pleased to be given a flying display by a kestrel.

Rob also mentioned the description of the "the barren and quarried hill, with its yellow spots of gorse and broom, and its purple shade of heath" written in the 1830s by Elizabeth Emra, but still being appropriate today.

When we reached the chimney Rob described the copper and brass industries and their links to the slave trade while Susan distributed feedback forms.

Supported by the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project

This walk is part of Bristol Walk Fest 2023

www.bristolwalkfest.com

 

2023 History Walk photos >>

"drop in at our gazebo"
Sunday 2nd April 2023

For our first drop in event for 2023 we were pleased to have copies of our new newsletter 'Super Trooper' to hand out.

As with last year's events we had lots of very interesting conversations about the history and wildlife of the Hill.

This time we were joined by members of the Council's Active Travel team who were there to talk about options for cycling and walking in the area and the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project.

We were pleased to have a dry day and even some afternoon sunshine after the dissapointment of having to cancel our Conservation Work Party due to rain the day before.

Lichen Walk - Sunday 19th March 2023

An important aspect of the Hill's ecology that is often overlooked is lichen.

Today was a rare chance to find out more about something that everyone will have seen but few take the time to look at in detail with Dr David Hill of the British Lichen Society as our expert guide. David last led a walk for us in 2015.

Lichens are symbiotic relationships between fungi and cyanobacteria / green algae and seen close-up these have an amazing range of colours and textures. They can be indicators of air quality and used as dating tools.

We were lucky to have perfect weather for the event, with a mild sunny morning. Thanks to funding from the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project, we were able to lend all our participants hand-lenses to get up close to the lichen.

Walking round the Hill we were introduced to several different lichens, first on a tree in the Field then on the standing stone at the entrance to the Hill. From there we moved to look at rocks above and in the gully before finishing in a small hollow where several lichens could be seen on the ground amongst the heather, broom and gorse.

David passed on huge amounts of information, explaing why Troopers Hill with its acid soils and sandstone rock is such an important site in the area for lichens and biodiversity in general.

The full list of the lichens seen in the different locations can be seen in a brief report here:

Troopers Hill Looking at Lichens 2023

There are links to photographs of lichens on the Hill and a report produced in 2009 by Justin Smith on our Wildlife Page

Supported by the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project

Find out more about Lichens on the British Lichen Society website >>

2023 Lichen Walk photos >>

Star Gazing on Troopers Hill March 2023

Dark Sky Discovery SiteUnfortunately the weather beat us again!

After some very wet and windy weather over the weekend, Tuesday 14th March looked promising, but the weather trough was more active than forecast giving us some very heavy showers at the time we were due to be setting up. With more showers possible later in the evening, members of Friends of Troopers Hill and the Bristol Astronomical Society sheltering in a car, with the telescopes in the boot reluctantly decided that we could not go ahead.

We hope for better luck in 2024!!!

Troopers Hill is an 'Orion Class' Dark Sky Discovery Site
- read more at www.troopers-hill.org.uk/DarkSky

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Troopers Hill Bird Walks
Saturday 4th & Sunday 12th February 2023

A big thank you to Duncan Evered for leading two very informative walks on Troopers Hill and in the woodland learning more about birds and how to observe them.

Duncan grew up nearby and first learnt about birds visiting Troopers Hill and the area of thin scrub and rubble that is now Troopers Hill woodland. He has worked for over 20 years as a professional ornithologist (much of that time in the USA). Duncan has been recording his bird sightings at Troopers Hill on eBird over the past few months and offered to lead this walk after a chance meeting with Susan of Friends of Troopers Hill earlier in the year.

Saturday 4th February:

On a cloudy, but mild, February morning, with very little wind, we were surprised at the number of species that we saw or heard, the final total was 26. Duncan demonstrated the use of the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify birds through their song, which confirmed a Coal Tit in the allotments.

There were many gulls flying south-west overhead and several magpies were building nests - we watched them bringing in building material. There were several great-tits and blue-tits, together with wrens and robins. A sparrow hawk was seen briefly, pursued by a crow. Later on Lamb Hill we saw two goldcrests and at the end of the walk a fieldfare was seen, and photographed by Duncan, on an apple tree at the edge of the Field.

The highlight of the day though, was in the gully where a recent arrival at Troopers Hill - a Dartford Warbler - flew out of some heather and over the group. Later we both saw it and heard it in the gorse; while difficult to be sure there seemed to be at least two of them present. While these birds shelter in gorse, they also seem to need areas of heather, so it seems that the conservation management work carried out over the last 20 years - with the primary aim of protecting the heather and the heathland from encroaching scrub for invertebrates - has also benefited this spiecies.

While numbers are increasing in the UK, the Dartford Warbler is still regarded as an Amber List species, as such its presence is suppressed so it is not listed on eBird, hence the list below shows 25 not 26 species. However, the presence of this bird at Troopers Hill is now well known via social media, so we have no concerns about mentioning it here.

Sunday 12th February:

The demand for the walk was such that Duncan agreed to lead a second walk a week later for those who couldn't get a space on the first walk.

Duncan pointed out that even though it was only a week later, it was noticeable that the birds were getting more active as Spring approaches.

We followed a different route and again heard and saw a good range of birds, including a small flock of long-tailed tits alongside the robins and wrens in the trees and scrub alongside Troopers Hill Road.

News of the presence of a male Dartford Warbler on Troopers Hill has rapidly spread and there were several birders on the site. We had caught sight of the warbler last week, and were wondering whether our luck would hold for a second time, but this time we got an even better view. The bird was more active so while we first saw it perching on gorse, we later also saw it flying into the scrub and trees. As well as the birds on the hill, we saw gulls chasing a sparrowhawk and a cormorant flying along the line of the river.

A second really sucessful event.

The final count for the second walk was 27 species (including the Dartford Warbler, which is not shown on eBird). There were five species this time that weren't seen on the 4th, so the total number of species for the two walks together was 31.

Full check list of birds recorded 4th Feb 2023 on eBird >>

Bird Walk 4th February photos >>

Full check list of birds recorded 12th Feb 2023 on eBird >>

Bird Walk 12th February photos >>

"drop in at our gazebo"
Sunday 16th October 2022

After running these events in February & May, this was our last Sunday afternoon information session on the Hill for 2022.

These events included displays on the wildife and history of Troopers Hill as well as information about our work.

The events also give those who are unable to join our meetings a chance meet the committee and give us their views and will be repeated through 2023.

In 2002 questionnaires about Troopers Hill were delivered to about 1,000 nearby households; 192 responses were received and as a result local residents formed the volunteer community group Friends of Troopers Hill at the end of 2003. At this event we launched a new survey, 20 years on, with the same questions that were in the original questionnaire. The results can be seen here.

Saturday 13th August 2022 - Bugs & Beasties

Our 'annual' hunt to find & record the Hill's smallest inhabitants with Dawn & Rupert Higgins from Wessex Ecological Consultancy. After two years of cancellations due to weather, followed by two years due to the pandemic, we had fingers firmly crossed for 2022.

Instead of wind or rain the weekend brought amber warnings of extreme heat. With our gazebos providing some shade we went ahead with the event; though the heat and an early cancellation of the balloon mass ascent meant we had fewer people than we hoped.

Those that did turn up though enjoyed the afternoon and we found a good range of invertebrates.

Our craft activities in the shade of the willow tree at the entrance from the Field also led to the production of some very colourful dragon flies.

It was an ideal day for solar observing and Bristol Astronomical Society had a good range of interested visitors.

"I brought my twin grandsons over, they loved it! Still talking about ‘bugs’ and ‘seeing the sun’ right up until bedtime."

Photos from the 2022 Bugs & Beasties >>

Sunday 31st July 2022 - SOS Wild Flower Walk

Unfortunately, due to the leader having Covid, this walk had to be cancelled.

The plan was for Susan Acton-Campbell of Friends of Troopers Hill to lead a walk looking at some wild flowers, learning a little about each plant and having fun using the What3Words app to find them.

We hope to reorganise this walk at some time in the future.

"drop in at our gazebo"

Sunday 29th May 2022

The second of three Sunday afternoon information sessions on the Hill during 2022.

Not the warm sunny afternoon we were hoping for, but as in February, had some great converstations. As we were setting up we saw two deer on the Field - they ran off into the Woods.

We were pleased that the work to resurface the path to the chimney had been completed during the previous week.

These events include displays on the wildife and history of Troopers Hill as well as information about forthcoming events and activities.

The events also give those who are unable to join our meetings a chance meet the committee and give us their views.

Troopers Hill & Crews Hole History Walk
Sunday 22nd May 2022 2.00pm

On a glorious Spring afternoon 20 walkers joined Rob Acton-Campbell of Friends of Troopers Hill on a walk around Troopers Hill and Crews Hole, talking about the history of the area.

We walked down through the Woods to the river, joining near the site of the Lamb Inn. We then headed towards Netham, with Rob talking about the Hit or Miss and then the Leadworks both of which have now disappeared.

Having walked across New Brislington Bridge and looked at photos showing the extent of the Netham Chemical Works, another of many works that used to pollute the area, we walked back up the river stopping to talk about the Wesleyan Chapel (& Archibald Vickers who laid the foundation stone in 1860) and then Butlers Tar Works.

From Conham we made our way up the Deer Path to Dundridge Park before crossing to Troopers Hill where we talked about the copper and brass industries and their links to the slave trade.

An unexpected highlight of this part of the walk was the sighting of a deer in one of the gardens near the site of the White House.

This walk was part of Bristol Walk Fest 2022

www.bristolwalkfest.com

 

History Walk Photos >>

Sun 13th March 2022 - Dawn Chorus Walk

Just over two years since our last public group walk on the Hill, we were delighted to welcome back local bird expert & broadcaster Ed Drewitt for another dawn chorus walk.

After some heavy overnight rain we were pleased to have a dry and mild morning as we walked up the Hill to meet for our 5.30am start.

We were rewarded with a very intense dawn chorus, blackbirds led the way, soon joined by robins, dunnocks, wrens, song thrushes and a great tit. The gulls also made themselves heard.

As we moved around the Hill and the light increased the extent of sound noticably dropped, but we were then able to see some of the birds. Magpies were building nests, a heron flew overhead and blackbirds and robins perched on branches.

One of our walkers found the remains of a blackbird's egg on the ground.

At the end of the walk we heard a chiffchaff - either an early returning migrant, or one that had over wintered here.

The walk had been fully booked and we were pleased to have an excellent turnout, including one of the younger members of the group who was celebrating his birthday.

Listen to Ed talking about the birds of Troopers Hill as part of our Audio Trail >>.

Listen to the 2008 dawn chorus recorded on Troopers Hill >>

Full list of birds seen or heard - 1.Blackbird 2.Robin 3.Wren 4.Great tit 6.Herring gull 7.Lesser black backed gull 8.Woodpigeon 9.Magpie 10.Song Thrush 11.Chiffchaff 12.Carrion Crow 13.Canada goose 14.Dunnock 15.Goldfinch 16.House sparrow 17.Mallard 18.Heron

Dawn Chorus Walk 2022 Photos >>

Star Gazing on Troopers Hill March 2022

Dark Sky Discovery SiteAfter a two year break, Friends of Troopers Hill and the Bristol Astronomical Society were hoping to hold another evening of star gazing in March 2022.

We set some provisional dates and then had our fingers crossed that clear skies would coincide with a suitable phase of the moon and the availability of the astronomers and their telescopes.

Unfortunately there was a persistent run of cloudy evenings early in the month. Sadly, although the weather improved later in the month, Covid affected the availability of the volunteers from the Bristol Astronomical Society who would have been sharing their telescopes with us - so we were not able to run any night-time star gazing events this year.

We hope for better luck in 2023.

Troopers Hill is an 'Orion Class' Dark Sky Discovery Site
- read more at www.troopers-hill.org.uk/DarkSky

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

"drop in at our gazebo"

Sunday 27th February 2022

The first of three Sunday afternoon information sessions on the Hill during 2022.

We were on Troopers Hill Field, near the entrance to the Hill on a very cold windy afternoon, but had some great converstations and lots of chalk artwork was created on the tarmac turning area.

These events include displays on the wildife and history of Troopers Hill as well as information about forthcoming events and activities.

The events also give those who are unable to join our meetings a chance meet the committee and give us their views.

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Slider Celebration - Sunday 24th October 2021

Slider Celebration Photos >>

To celebrate the installation of the new slider on Troopers Hill Field, we held an official 'unveiling'.

We also took the opportunity to display the entries from our 2020 Art Competition. Chalks were also available for visitors to create their own art.

We were very pleased that Jo Webster-Green of Little Treasures Toy Shop was able to perform the ceremony by upwrapping a red ribbon from the slide and also unveiling a plaque on the adjacent fence.

We were delighted to see some of our artists, including our overall winner Tin Stanton.

The weather wasn't ideal, with a rainbow as we arrived at the Field heralding the arrival of some intermittent light rain that stayed with us all day - the sun only came out again late afternoon as we were packing up.

We were also pleased that our MP, Kerry McCarthy, was able to drop by to see the slide, the support of Kerry along with that of our local Councillors was an important part of making the replacement of the slide and all the other projects we have done over the years possible.

The biggest thank you, though, must go to Jo Webster-Green and everyone else who supported our crowdfunder and to Ibstock Enovert Trust for the grant that provided the balance of the funding.

The event also marked the launch of our new campaign to raise additional funds for Nature Conservation work on the Hill.

Help Fund our Nature Conservation work >>

More about the new slider and other projects on Troopers Hill Field >>

See the winners of the 2020 art competition >>

Slider Celebration Photos >>

Friends of Troopers Hill at WalkFest - May 2021

Wildflower Walk 2021

Enjoy some of the wildflowers of Troopers Hill while taking a walk around this fantastic nature reserve.

The photos used for this walk were all taken on Friday, 30th April, so don't leave it too long to visit if you want to see the flowers growing in the same places.

However, if you do visit towards the end of the month we have included a link to our wildflower walk of 2020 where we used photos taken from 23rd May onwards.

There is no route included in this information, simply the locations of the plants, so you can make up your own route and visit the flowers in whatever sequence you want.

Troopers Hill Wildflower Walk >>

St George Strollers also created some virtual walks for Walk Fest 2021 which you can still enjoy.

St George Strollers at WalkFest 2021 >>


www.bristolwalkfest.com

Creating a poem for Troopers Hill - Tuesday 6th April 2021

Troopers Hill was one of 4 green spaces, selected by poet Beth Calverley, to work with a park group to create a poem as part of Lyra: Bristol Poetry Festival 2021 and #BristolWriteOutside.

Beth hosted a relaxed conversation with our group on zoom to weave our words into a typewritten poem - 'a gentle journey through your thoughts, feelings, memories and hopes for your local parks and green spaces'.

After a very enjoyable conversation, Beth produced a beautiful poem using our words (below), which was drafted live in the moment, on her vintage typewriter.

See the poem at www.troopers-hill.org.uk/BeInspired

BBC Radio 4 Outsiders - Friday 26th March 2021
The Crickets of Troopers Hill by Michael Malay

The wonderful sound of the crickets & grasshoppers on the Hill were highlighted in the BBC Radio 4 'Outsiders' series first broadcast on the 26th March 2021.

Michael Malay, a lecturer in English literature and the environmental humanities at the University of Bristol, reflected on his personal experience of the past year and talks about his visits to Troopers Hill.

"Last spring, after the world changed – after the streets fell silent and the horizons seemed to shrink – I began going to a place called Troopers Hill. It’s a nature reserve in east Bristol, half a mile from where I live. It’s a beautiful place..."

You can listen to the programme here >>

Read the full script >>

Autumn 2020 Virtual Fungi Foray

Our proposed October foray with John and Doreen Bailey and other members of the North Somerset and Bristol Fungus Group as well as our Lichen Walk with expert David Hill joined the list of events cancelled in 2020.

But the fungi still appeared!

To give you a chance to see them yourselves, we prepared a virtual fungi foray.

As well as some wonderful photos, there are also links to their location so that you can seek them out yourselves.

Virtual Fungi Foray - October 2020 >>

The reports from earlier forays can be seen here. You can hear the late Justin Smith talking about fungi and lichens as part of our Audio Trail; see our Troopers Trails page.

There are links to photographs of lichens on the Hill and a report produced in 2009 by Justin Smith on our Wildlife Page

Troopers Hill 1995 to 2020
25 Years as a Local Nature Reserve

To celebrate of 25 years since Troopers Hill was declared a Local Nature Reserve, Troopers Hill Young Rangers organised an art competition.

We had planned to hold a display of the entries on Troopers Hill Field as part of a picnic celebration. Unfortunately this has been cancelled due to Covid-19, so the entries will be displayed online.

We hope to hold the exhibition on the Field at a later date, perhaps in the autumn.

See the winners >>

Bristol Walk Fest 2020 Online

Our planned walks in May were due to be part of Bristol Walk Fest 2020.

Due to Covid-19, WalkFest was postponed and there is no firm date yet for when it will take place.

However Friends of Troopers Hill took part in a virtual WalkFest on our facebook & twitter accounts using the hashtag #virtualwalkfest.

There are links to the virtual walks below, these were added on the days that the events were due to take place..

St George Strollers Friday 22nd May
Get Growing and the Northern Slopes >>

Avon Valley Walk Sunday 24th May
Twitter thread >>

Wild Flower Walk Friday 29th May
What's so special about Troopers Hill? >>


www.bristolwalkfest.com

Geology Walk - Sunday 8th March 2020

It what turned out to be our last public event for a long while, geologist Dave Green joined us to explore the 300 million year history of Troopers Hill as told by the rocks that shape it.

Warm spring sunshine welcomed us to the Hill, but we did experience one of the threatened showers part way round.

Having handed out a sketch of the Hill's geology and giving an introductory talk at our meeting point on the Field, Dave led us across to the Hill to look at the differents types of stone found there, including coal, mudstone & shale as well as the Pennant Sandstone which forms the bulk of the Hill and has been extensively quarried.

There was a very interesting discussion about why the underlying sandstone and coal measures result in acidic soils on the Hill.

The shape of the Hill is a result of its history, so inevitably that was also discussed, with even a brief mention of the 1888 smallpox hospital.

Read about the geology of Troopers Hill >>

Geology Walk Photos >>

Star Gazing 2020

Sadly after a really good event last year, we were unable to find a suitable evening for for star gazing this year.

We had planned the event for mid-February, but the weather developed into a pattern of repeated storms and low pressure with lots of rain and wind. Bristol escaped the flooding that impacted many parts of the country, but the ground was very wet and even on the clearer evening there was still a strong wind.

We had hoped that Bristol Astronomical Society would be able to join us for solar observing at our Bugs & Beasties event in August 2020 and we planned three special planetarium shows in April 2020 aimed at families - but both these events had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

Star Gazing 2021 also had to be cancelled due to Covid.

Dark Sky Discovery Site

Visit www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk for other opportunities to join them and learn more about the night sky.

Dark Sky Discovery Site page >>

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Saturday 25th January 2020 - A Celebration

A celebration of the completion of the National Lottery Heritage Fund elements of our Ways to Nature Project.

This event was held near an entrance from Troopers Hill Road where some of our new fencing was installed. The event included:

• Displays and information showing what has been achieved with the grant.

• The official unveiling of our new fungi intepretation board.

• Activities for families run by Natural Learners.

• A walk to explain the new Management Plan for the Hill and look at the conservation work that has been done as part of the project.

• Signing of the new Management Plan by Richard Fletcher, Parks Services Manager for Bristol City Council and Susan Acton-Campbell, Chair of Friends of Troopers Hill.

• Singing of a specially written celebratory song.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund
thanks to National Lottery players, as part of
our Ways to Nature Project

Photos & short video >>

Saturday 9th November 2019 - Fungi Foray

Sadly we have had to cancel today's (Saturday 9th November) fungi foray because of the heavy rain that is forecast. However here are a few of the photos taken yesterday when the preparation work was being done for today's now cancelled event. pic.twitter.com/huednXOLE8

— Friends of Troopers Hill (@TroopersHill) November 9, 2019

Due to heavy rain which started as forecast just before our scheduled 10.30am start the public foray had to be cancelled.

However, John and Doreen Bailey and some other members of the North Somerset and Bristol Fungus Group did brave the rain to carry out a fungi survey.

 Fungi Survey November 2019 - Listing

The reports from earlier forays can be seen here. You can hear the late Justin Smith talking about fungi and lichens as part of our Audio Trail; see our Troopers Trails page.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players, as part of our Ways to Nature Project

Star Storytelling & Gazing
Saturday 7th September 2019



As the Sun set over Troopers Hill on a perfect evening, we enjoyed an evening of storytelling and star gazing.

We listened to tales of how the stars came to be and of those who follow the Stars to Freedom while watching the stars as they appeared across the autumn sky.

We were pleased to welcome storyteller Cassandra Wye comes back to Troopers Hill, this time accompanied by astrophysicist Megan Argo as part of their We Share the Same Moon project.

The storytelling with Cassandra started at 7.45pm and then by 8.45pm Megan was able to tell us about the waxing moon visible past the chimney and give us a guided tour of the planets and stars that we could see above us.





Dark Sky Discovery Site Troopers Hill has been designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site. It is a good spot for star gazing, above the city lights.

www.troopers-hill.org.uk/DarkSky

Photos & short video >>

Saturday 10th August 2019 - Bugs & Beasties

With very strong winds and heavy showers forecast (a Met Office yellow wind warning was in place) we had to cancel our Bugs & Beasties hunt for the second year running.

The forecast was accurate - ours was not the only event cancelled - there no balloon flights and the Fiesta had to close the Ashton Court site for the day because the wind gusts were making it unsafe. We did see a magnificent display of the balloons over the Hill on the Thursday morning when an extra mass-ascent was held ahead of the weekend's forecast wind.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players, as part of our Ways to Nature Project

Saturday 25th May 2019 - Scavenger Hunt

Our team of Young Rangers organised an event to encourage visitors to the Hill to seek out its wildlife.

The event involved people walking a route following the points on a map to solve an anagram based puzzle by finding wildlife around the park and using the iNaturalist app.

People could also record their start times with us to see how quickly they could do the route.

The answers are shown here ==>

This event was planned as part of the City Nature Challenge in April but had to be postponed due to Storm Hannah - the weather was much better this time.

We hoped to be able to run a hunt again as part of our event on the Saturday of the Balloon Fiesta but unfrtunately that also had to be cancelled due to the weather.

Sunday 19th May 2019 - Avon Valley Walk

Our annual walk around the Avon Valley including Brislington Brook, Eastwood Farm LNR and Dundridge Park stopping for lunch at Beese's.

We were pleased to welcome 25 walkers to Troopers Hill Field on a sunny Sunday morning. We started by walking down through Troopers Hill Woodland to Crews Hole, following the waymarkers installed as part of our Ways to Nature Project. There were regular stops for Rob to pass on information about the history of the areas we were walking through.

Crossing the footbridge we then followed Brislington Brook past St Anne's Well and into Nightingale Valley. We climbed out of the valley before visiting Eastwood Farm, where some walkers stopped for a picnic, while others went on to Beese's for lunch.

During lunch it started to rain and by the time we were due to leave it had become a downpour. Due to the rain some of our walkers left us here to return to Troopers Hil by taxi.

As we walked alongside the river towards Conham the rain gradually eased, though its effect could be seen in the volume of water coming coming into the river at the overflow structure from Brislington Brook. There was also a short diversion due to a fallen tree.

By the time we had climbed up through Conham Wods to Dundridge Park the rain had almost stopped. We then crossed to Troopers Hill where we saw the new fencing and discussed some of the conservation work funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as another part of the Ways to Nature Project.

At the top of the Hill we were able to take in the views of Bristol and the route we had followed as the brighter weather returned.

Old photos taken in the Avon Valley >>

More about the Avon Valley and the walk route >>


This walk was part of Bristol Walk Fest 2019
www.bristolwalkfest.com

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players, as part of our Ways to Nature Project

Photos >>

Sun 28th April 2019 - Dawn Chorus Walk

This event had been scheduled for the Saturday morning but had to be postponed due to strong winds from 'Storm Hannah'. Fortunately our bird expert & broadcaster Ed Drewitt and most of those who had booked were able to join us a day later for a 5.00am start.

We started on the Field with Blackbirds singing in (not quite) the dead of night near the streetlights, one being clearly visible on a house roof. We then moved to the Nature Reserve to admire the view over the City and listen to a range of birds as the dawn chorus reached its peak.

As we moved round the Hill some of the birds quietened down as they started feeding and we were able to pick out the sounds of (and sometimes see) individual birds more clearly.

This event was part of the City Nature Challenge 26-29 April 2019
Bristol and Bath uniting to compete with 175+ cities on seven continents to discover and record as much wildlife as possible over 4 days.

Full list of birds heard or seen and submitted to the City Nature Challenge:
1 Blackbird; 2. Robin; 3. Wren; 4. Great tit; 5. Black cap; 6. Herring gull; 7. Lesser black backed gull; 8. Wood pigeon; 9. Magpie; 10. Song Thrush; 11. Chiff chaff; 12. crow; 13. Canada goose (2 flew over us honking); 14. Jay; 15. Dunnock; 16. Coal tit; 17. Long tailed tit; 18. Blue tit; 19. Greenfinch; 20. Goldfinch; 21. House sparrow; 22. Green woodpecker (seen by walkers at the back of our group)

Listen to Ed talking about the birds of Troopers Hill as part of our Audio Trail >>.

Listen to the 2008 dawn chorus recorded on Troopers Hill >>

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players, as part of our Ways to Nature Project

Photos >>

Star Gazing - 14th February 2019

Our sixth star gazing event with Bristol Astronomical Society was one of the best we have had.

As high pressure had built over the UK, the cloud cover that had prevented us from going ahead earlier in the week disappeared giving us a relatively mild evening under stary skies.

Fiona of BAS kicked the evening off using a laser pointer to give a tour of the brightest constellations and how to move from one to the other; including how to find the north star.

We saw many delights - The Great Orion nebula (M42), The Pleiades star cluster (M45), The Andromeda Galaxy (M31), the moon, double and triple star clusters, and Mars, to name just a few.

The sight of the cratered moon produced quite a few exclamations of 'ooh!', 'ah!' and 'wow!', especially (but not only) from the younger visitors.

Another very enjoyable evening. Many thanks to Troopers Hill volunteers for coming to help carry the equipment onto the Hill and of course the BAS volunteers who brought their telescopes.

Dark Sky Discovery Site

Visit www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk for other opportunities to join them and learn more about the night sky.

Dark Sky Discovery Site page >>

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Photos >>

Sunday 16th December 2018 - Conservation Walk

Ecologist Rupert Higgins joined our Chair, Susan, to lead a walk explaining the recommendations in Troopers Hill's new, ten-year conservation management plan. The plan is being produced thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of our Ways to Nature Project.

This walk was aimed at anyone with an interest in Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve who wants to help protect this very special wildlife habitat and understand why work is being done.

The new conservation management plan builds on earlier plans that defined the conservation work to be carried out until 2017.

The recommendations are similar to the earlier plans, but take into account the changing conditions on the Hill and the changed structures in Bristol City Council.

As described on the walk, and also thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, works will be carried this winter, focusing on three priority areas identified in drafting the new plan, they are described here:

 Priority scrub clearance winter 2018/19

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of our Ways to Nature Project

Photos >>

Bugs & Beasties
Saturday 11th August 2018

We were due to be hunting for bugs & beasties again with Dawn & Rupert Higgins from Wessex Ecological Consultancy; unfortunately after a long hot and dry spell, the afternoon was cloudly with drizzle that became heavier rain before the scheduled start at 4pm, so this year's hunt had to be cancelled.

Fortunately Natural Learners were also with us to run one of their free drop-in events; so the families that braved the rain were able to enjoy making some clay bugs in the shelter of one of the trees on the Field.

There was also too much cloud cover for the planned Bristol Astronomical Society solar observation and the wind and rain prevented any balloons flying from the Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court in the evening, although they had given us a spectaular display in the morning.

Sunday 27th May 2018 - Avon Valley Walk

Our annual walk around the Avon Valley including Brislington Brook, Eastwood Farm LNR and Dundridge Park stopping for lunch at Beese's.

We took bookings for this year's walk through Eventbrite and all 25 places were taken with some people on the waiting list. Unfortunately there was a very heavy thunderstorm in the half-hour before the walk was due to start, so although the rain had actually stopped by the time we set off the turnout was much reduced.

Those who braved the storm enjoyed an increasingly warm and sunny day with no further rain, so that we were gradually able to dry out as the walk went on.

Thank you to the Avon Stories website for posting a fantastic blog and photos - see link below:

Avon Stories - The Avon Valley walk around rivers of east Bristol >>

Old photos taken in the Avon Valley >>

More about the Avon Valley and the walk route >>


This walk was part of Bristol Walk Fest 2018
www.bristolwalkfest.com

Photos >>

Sat 24th March 2018 - Dawn Chorus Walk

The rain stopped just as bird expert & broadcaster Ed Drewitt joined us for a 5.30am start. The blackbirds were singing as we walked around the Field and on to the hill, soon joined by robins & wrens.

As the light gradually increased on what remained a cloudy morning, we walked around the edge of the hill following the path down towards Greendown and then alongside Troopers Hill Road. The range of birds we heard and saw gradually increased with house sparrows, great tits, blue tits, song thrush, dunnocks and a redwing. Overhead wood pigeons were leaving their over night roosts by the river looking for food, There was a meadow pipit and a flyby of three geese.

Ed pointed out that being above the trees on the roadside gave us a much better chance of spotting the birds as we were able to look down on them, rather than having to look up and spot them against the sky. Back up the hill and then into the woodland more robins and wrens and a brief view of a heron from the heronry at Eastwood Farm.

Returning to the Field we heard a green finch, a bird whose numbers Ed told us were in decline in the UK. The highlight though was right at the end of the walk as a male sparrowhawk flew low and right over our heads.

Many thanks to the Fountain Café for providing breakfast at the end of the walk.

Full list of birds heard or seen: Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blue tit, Great tit, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Feral pigeon, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Meadow pipit, Redwing, Magpie, Crow, Grey heron, Song thrush, Lesser back-backed gull, Herring gull, Sparrowhawk & Green woodpecker

Listen to Ed talking about the birds of Troopers Hill as part of our Audio Trail.

Listen to the 2008 dawn chorus recorded on Troopers Hill >>

Photos >>

Star Gazing - 22nd February 2018

Dark Sky Discovery SiteOur fifth star gazing event with Bristol Astronomical Society was a great success.

Evening cloud cover meant we had to wait until the Thursday of our selected week, but though there was some cloud during the day it cleared as forecast just before dark. It left us with a clear but cold evening with a light easterly wind.

With five telescopes and one set of powerful binoculars set up in time for a 7.30pm start there was plenty of time for everyone to look at the crescent moon and a range of stars and star clusters, including the Beehive cluster in the Cancer constellation. We were also able to look at the double star Mizar second from the end of the "handle" of the Plough constellation and the Pinwheel cluster (M36) twinkled at us from the Auriga constellation. The evening had started with Fiona of BAS giving a us a guided tour around the sky showing us where the major constellations could be found.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening. Many thanks to Troopers Hill volunteers, Shelley, Oscar, Jon and Rob & Susan for coming to help carry the equipment onto the Hill and of course the BAS volunteers who brought their telescopes. This was the first event for which we used Eventbrite to organise bookings and it seemed to work well.

Visit www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk for other opportunities to join them and learn more about the night sky.

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Dark Sky Discovery Site page >>

Fungi Foray - Sunday 5th November 2017

John and Doreen Bailey from the North Somerset and Bristol Fungus Group joined us to lead another foray on the hill and give us a report on the fungi we found.

This was the second foray led by John & Doreen and continues the work to record fungi on the Hill carried out by Justin Smith before his untimely death in 2014. John and Doreen have led several forays for the National Trust at Tyntesfield and were recomended to us by several members of the Bristol Naturalists Society.

Susan, chair of Friends of Troopers Hill, had planned out our route having sought out the best locations the previous day.

There was a good range of wax caps as well as earthballs and puffballs; the fly agaric was past its best. Some of the species found are unique to acid grassland and John spoke about the increasing rarity and importance of 'unimproved' grassland such as that at Troopers Hill for fungi. The application of fertiliser to improve grass growth prevents fungi from appearing and even a single application can have an impact for 50 or more years.

A collection was made for the Justin Smith Foundation. John & Doreen are also donating their fee to the Foundation.

The reports from this and earlier forays can be seen here. You can hear Justin talking about fungi and lichens as part of our Audio Trail; see our Troopers Trails page.

Photos >>

Bugs & Beasties
Saturday 12th August 2017

Our annual hunt to find & record the Hill's smallest inhabitants with Dawn & Rupert Higgins from Wessex Ecological Consultancy helping indentify your finds and explain why they find Troopers Hill such a great place to live.

It was a breezy afternoon and unfortunately the wind was still too strong in the evening for any balloons to fly.

As last year the RSPB also joined in the fun, many thanks to Michael & Emily.

Bristol Astronomical Society joined us again with their solar telescopes. Although there were initially some breaks to allow a view of the sun, unfortunately the breeze brought cloud in from Wales in the later part of the afternoon.

Temporary toilet facilities funded by Friends of Troopers Hill and provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

Photos >>

Sun 21st May 2017 - Avon Valley Walk

A lot of sunshine for this year's walk around the Avon Valley including Brislington Brook, Eastwood Farm LNR and Dundridge Park stopping for lunch at Beese's.

We were pleased that a lot of the group were new to the area and that some had joined having come on the 'Wander the Waterways' walk on the Friday.

Avon Valley Walk 21st May Photos >>

Old photos taken in the Avon Valley >>

More about the Avon Valley and the walk route >>

Other Walk Fest 2017 walks

Friends of Troopers Hill also worked with Paula Spiers of the Avon Frome Partnership to lead the 'Wander the Waterways' walk from Temple Meads through St Philips to St Anne's & Crews Hole on Friday 19th May.

'Wander the Waterways' Walk Photos >> | Route Map >>

The St George Strollers Walk 'From Water to Windmill' on Thursday 25th May was also part of WalkFest.

More info - www.troopers-hill.org.uk/strollers >>

Listing & photos of all St George Strollers Walks >>

Friday 19th May 2017 - Moth Night

The threatened showers stayed away, but it was breezy and cool as we helped Ray Barnett of the Bristol and District Moth Group to set up two light traps on the hill ready for a 9.30pm start.

It wasn't an ideal night for moths, but as darkness fell the traps attracted a steady flow of flying visitors. 31 different spieces of moths were recorded "nothing earth-shattering but respectable given the cool breeze".

Thank you to Pei-Ling Liao for the close-up photos of the moths.

Report with list of moths recorded:
Bristol Moth Group Field Meeting report - 19th May 2017

Reports from previous moth nights and other invertebrate surveys on the hill can be seen on our Moths & Invertebrates page.

Photos >>

Star Gazing - 13 March 2017

Dark Sky Discovery SiteThis was our fourth year of working with Bristol Astronomical Society to organise a star gazing event on Troopers Hill Dark Sky Discovery Site.

After bad weather rulled out all the dates we had scheduled for February, we were hoping for better luck in March. The forecast looked promising but sadly stubborn low cloud hid all but a few glimpses of stars and a slightly longer showing of the moon, but there was still interesting information to be shared.

Discussions ranged over many subjects - the distance to the nearest star after the sun - the sun is just over 8 minutes away and Proxima Centauri (part of the Alpha Centauri sytem) is over 4 light years away.

Myths played a part including the story of the Milky Way being a river that separates two lovers, with the Swan (Cygnus) constellation acting as a bridge.

We also heard about double stars, some that can be seen with the naked eye as double stars but when a telescope is used, reveal themselves as more - Mizar and Alcor in the Plough can be seen, if you have really good eyesight as a double star, but with a telescope you will find more.

We packed up a little before 9pm. Many thanks to Troopers Hill volunteers, Shelley, Norman, Oscar, Jon and Susan for coming to help carry the equipment onto the Hill. Shelley sent us the photo.

Visit www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk for other opportunities to join them and learn more about the night sky.

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Dark Sky Discovery Site page >>

Photo >>

Saturday 22nd October 2016 - Play Area Celebration

The official celebration event for the new play area on Troopers Hill Field was held on Saturday 22nd October, including a procession from Troopers Hill Chimney led by Avon Glen Pipes and Drums.

www.troopers-hill.org.uk/play

Photos >>

Sunday 16th October 2016 - Geology Walk

On a sunny, if breezy afternoon we were joined by expert Andrew Mathieson to explore the geology of Troopers Hill.

Unfortunately due to the work in progress on the chimney we were unable to examine its Pennant sandstone closely but we were able to look at the many natural outcrops of the sandstone and the exposed faces of the quarry as we walked down the hill.

Andrew explained how the nature of the rock changed as we moved down the hill and we saw siltstones and mudstones. At the bottom of the hill stands the second chimney and here Andrew described the different depths at which coal seams had been recorded.

Moving back up on to the hill we heard about the fireclay mining before returning to the chimney to look at the view and talk about the geological history of Bristol as a whole.

You can find out more about the geology of Troopers Hill on our Geology Page. For more about geolgy in the Bristol area visit the Avon RIGS Group website.

Photos >>

Bugs & Beasties
Saturday 13th August 2016

We again held our annual hunt to find some of the Hill's smallest inhabitants on the Saturday of the Balloon Fiesta.

Rupert Higgins & Dawn were on hand to indentify your finds and explain why they find Troopers Hill such a great place to live.

As it was so popular last year, Bristol Astronomical Society joined us to do some more solar observations.

RSPB's Charly was also there with additional nets and ID charts.

It was a breezy afternoon but thankfully in the evening the wind finally dropped giving those who stayed on after the event a wonderful view of the balloons as they flew south of the Hill.

Temporary toilet facilities funded by Friends of Troopers Hill and provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

Photos >>

Bristol Walk Fest 2016

www.bristolwalkingfestival.co.uk

Friends of Troopers Hill & St George Strollers helped organise several walks as part of this year's walking festival, we were also promoting the Discover East Bristol Map

Sun 22nd May 2016 - Avon Valley Walk

A good turnout for a walk around the Avon Valley including Brislington Brook, Eastwood Farm LNR and Dundridge Park stopping for lunch at Beese's. We had a heavy shower while we were in St Anne's Woods but otherwise it was dry and even warm at times in the sunshine.

 Avon Valley Walk 22nd May Photos >>

Old photos taken in the Avon Valley >>

More about the Avon Valley and the walk route >>

St George Strollers Walks

The two St George Strollers walks in May were included in the Festival programme.

 'Golden Green Spaces' - 9th May >>

 'These Boots are Made for Walking' - 26th May >>

More info - www.troopers-hill.org.uk/strollers >>
Listing & photos of all St George Strollers Walks >>

Other Walk Fest 2016 walks

 'Wander the Waterways of St Philips, Brislington and Crews Hole' - 6th May - Photos >> | Route Map >>

 'Discover East Bristol - Hills, Views & Rivers' - 13th May - Photos >> | Route Map >>

 WalkFest Launch Event - Compass Walk - 29th April

Sat 23rd April 2016 - Dawn Chorus Walk

A wonderful morning with the full moon still shining brightly as over 20 of us joined Bristol's local bird expert & broadcaster Ed Drewitt for a 5am start. The blackbirds were soon in full song with the chorus raching its peak as we moved on to the hill.

As we moved round the hill and then into the woods we were able to pick out wrens, great tits, a couple of blackcaps and some chiffchaffs - two of which gave us a wonderful mating display in a tree above Troopers Hill Road.

As well as gulls and crows we saw two majestic herons flying over from the heronry at Eastwood Farm. On the ground we also caught sight of two foxes enjoying the early morning sunshine. At the end of the walk we moved back on to the hill to admire the view over Bristol.

Many thanks to the Fountain Café for providing breakfast at the end of the walk.

Listen to Ed talking about the birds of Troopers Hill as part of our Audio Trail.

Listen to the 2008 dawn chorus recorded on Troopers Hill >>

Photos >>

Tree Planting on Troopers Hill Field
16 February 2016

Tree PlantingSeven extra trees were planted in Troopers Hill Field at a tree planting event organised by One Tree per Child Bristol on Tues 16th February 2016.

There are six wild cherry trees to infill the wide gaps between the existing ones and a hornbeam tree to complete the double avenue of trees along the east side of the field. Pupils from Air Balloon Hill Primary School helped with the planting.

There was an opportunity for local people to sponsor these trees so that larger trees could be planted, two trees were sponsored under this scheme. Friends of Troopers Hill were especially pleased that one of these was planted in memory of Pete Harris - a great friend of Troopers Hill.

Troopers Hill Field Page >>

Photos >>

Star Gazing - 2 February 2016

Dark Sky Discovery SiteWe had amazing weather for our third year of star gazing on Troopers Hill - and were able to run the event on the second of the possible evenings. This event was the first we have held since Troopers Hill was officially designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site

Friends of Troopers Hill are very grateful to the volunteers from the Bristol Astronomical Society (BAS) for sharing their knowledge of the stars and planets and the use of their telescopes.

We started with an introduction to the night sky, learning how to find the North Star and work our way round past the Great Square of Pegasus, Cassiopeia, the Pleiades, Aldebaran, the fiery eye of Taurus, Orion, Gemini and back to the Plough (Ursa Major).

Then we were able to walk round the telescopes set up by the Bristol Astronomical Society and take a closer look, including a view of comet Catalina (C/2013 US10).

Towards the end of the evening Jupiter had risen so all telescopes turned in the direction so we could see Jupiter's moons. A wonderful evening.

Visit www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk for other opportunities to join them and learn more about the night sky.

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Dark Sky Discovery Site page >>

Photos >>

Geology Walk - Sunday 29th November 2015
Cancelled

With the high winds and rain forecast we decided to cancel the planned geology walk.

We hope expert Andrew Mathieson will be able to join us to explore the geology of Troopers Hill at some time next year instead.

You can find out more about the geology of Troopers Hill on our Geology Page. For more about geolgy in the Bristol area visit the Avon RIGS Group website.

Supported by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership Bristol Green Capital Fund

Other walks & events in St George in 2015 (pdf) >>

Listing of Autumn Walks on Bristol's Local Nature Reserves >>

Fungi Foray - Sunday 1st November 2015

We were pleased that John and Doreen Bailey from the North Somerset and Bristol Fungus Group could join us to lead our foray and give us a report on the fungi we found.

This continues the work to record fungi on the Hill carried out by Justin Smith before his untimely death last year. John and Doreen have led several forays for the National Trust at Tyntesfield and were recomended to us by several members of the Bristol Naturalists Society.

The morning fog lifted to give a sunny and warm walk and Troopers Hill provided a good range of fungi including several different wax caps. A new find was two types of earth tongues. Also seen were fly agaric and brown roll rim. The start of the walk in Troopers Hill Field had shown what a large range of fungi could be found on the felled sections of trees.

A collection was made for the Justin Smith Foundation which we were pleased to be able to pass to Lucy and Wilf who joined us on the walk. John & Doreen are also donating their fee to the Foundation.

The report on what was found on this foray, together with Justin Smith's reports from earlier forays can be seen here. You can hear Justin talking about fungi and lichens as part of our Audio Trail; see our Troopers Trails page.

Supported by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership Bristol Green Capital Fund

Other walks & events in St George in 2015 (pdf) >>

Listing of Autumn Walks on Bristol's Local Nature Reserves >>

Photos >>

Family Fun Dog Show
Sunday 11th October 2015

After a break for a couple of years we were pleased to be able to organise another Fun Dog Show on Troopers Hill Field for 2015. On a breezy but dry Sunday afternoon we had a great turnout of both people and dogs. As well as our own display we were joined by HEART Pet Rescue, RSPCA, Protect a Pup & Highcroft Vets - who very kindly also provided the judges and extra prizes in all the classes.

Friends of Troopers Hill would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helps to look after the Hill while walking their dogs, not only by clearing up after their own dogs but by also picking up other people's rubbish.

This event is funded by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership Wellbeing Fund.

Temporary toilet facilities provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

Photos >>

Looking at Lichen
Sunday 4th October 2015

To celebrate our Local Nature Reserves in Bristol's year as European Green Capital a series of walks are being organised this autumn.

On Troopers Hill we were joined by expert David Hill to look at an important aspect of the Hill's ecology that is often overlooked - Lichens.

This was a rare chance to find out more about something that everyone will have seen but few take the time to look at in detail. Lichens are symbiotic relationships between fungi and cyanobacteria / green algae and seen close-up these have an amazing range of colours and textures.

There are links to photographs of lichens on the Hill and a report produced in 2009 by Justin Smith on our Wildlife Page

Listing of Autumn Walks on Bristol's Local Nature Reserves >>

Photos >>

Exploring Green Spaces of St George
Sunday 6th September 2015

As part of Bristol's year as European Green Capital Friends of Troopers Hill led a walk to explore some of the less well known green spaces in St George. We were lucky enough to get a wonderfully sunny late summer day.

The route was planned using the knowledge of the paths and backways in St George that has been built up by the walk leaders for St George Strollers.

We visited Hudds Vale, Plummers Hill, Meadow Vale, Rodney Road, Primrose Lane & Colebrook Road Open Spaces.

Plummers Hill, Meadow Vale & Primrose Lane have urban meadsows funded by St George Neighbourhood Partnership. With us was wildlife expert Rupert Higgins who was able to explain the importance of the trees and plants in these spaces for wildlife, we also discussed ways that the management of the spaces could be improved for wildlife in the future.

Short report by Rupert Higgins on the wildlife potential for these spaces >>

Supported by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership Bristol Green Capital Fund

Other walks & events in St George in 2015 (pdf) >>

Photos >>

Bugs & Beasties and other things
Saturday 8th August 2015

On the Saturday of the Balloon Fiesta we held what has become an annual hunt to find some of the Hill's smallest inhabitants.

Rupert Higgins & Dawn were again on hand to indentify your finds and explain why they find Troopers Hill such a great place to live.

As an extra bonus this year Bristol Astronomical Society joined us to do some solar observations.

We were also joined by the one day : Day One resilience dome which is visiting various sites arounnd Bristol during Green Capital Year.

Afterwards we were treated to the wonderful sight of the balloons flying past from the Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court. With near perfect weather and stories of traffic jams on the approach to Ashton Court this was the largest crowd of people we have ever seen on Troopers Hill.

See video filmed on the day from a drone >>

 

Supported by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership Bristol Green Capital Fund

Other walks & events in St George in 2015 (pdf) >>

Temporary toilet facilities funded by Friends of Troopers Hill and provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

Photos >>

St George In Bloom Open Day
Saturday 18th July 2015

Friends of Troopers Hill took part in this year's St George in Bloom Open Day to celebrate the work done by volunteers throughout St George to improve the appearance of the area.

We had a gazebo and displays on top of the Hill and to show some of the work we do at our regular work parties to help manage the Hill for both wildlife and people.

Other sites taking part in St George as part of th Open Day included St George Park, Kensington Road, East Bristol Allotments Association & Meadowvale Community Centre.

Other walks & events in St George in 2015 (pdf) >>

Photos on Facebook >>

Heathland Walk - Thursday 16th July 2015

We were joined by expert Rupert Higgins on a warm summer evening walk on Troopers Hill looking at the heathland and the creatures it supports. Rupert explained the importance of the hill's unique mix of habitats in both a local and national context.

Crickets and grasshoppers were abundant, including the first recorded sighting of Roesel’s bush cricket on the Hill. There were also 24-spot ladybirds and a harlequin larve, bugs, moths, butterflies and many bees.

Supported by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership Bristol Green Capital Fund

Other walks & events in St George in 2015 (pdf) >>

Photos & more detailed report >>

Music on the Hill - Saturday 27th June 2015

We were pleased to welcome the 'Fantasy Orchestra' to Troopers Hill for this year's Music on the Hill and they brought some good weather with them!

There was a great turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Highlights were perhaps a special version of Happy Birthday to mark 20 years since Troopers Hill was designated as a Local Nature Reserve and 'Troopers Hill Field for ever..'

The Fantasy Orchestra is a community project based in Bristol and also in Paris. With a motto ‘more is more’, this unique ethos brings together 40 + musicians from all backgrounds to create an electric atmosphere.

See and hear the orchestra on their website www.fantasyorchestra.org

At this event we also announced the reults of our consultation into providing an improved play area on Troopers Hill Field.

Temporary toilet facilities were provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

Photos & Videos >>

Avon Valley Walk - Sunday 17th May 2015

A sunny morning, though with a cold wind, for a walk from Troopers Hill exploring the woodland and looking at the river and its wildlife before returning to Troopers Hill via Conham and Dundridge Park. We also visited the eighteenth centuary 'Bath House' in the woods.

Rob Acton-Campbell described some of the history of the area and we were also joined by Harriet Alvis from the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) who told us something about her project.

This walk was part of the Bristol Walking Festival.

Supported by the St George Neighbourhood Partnership Bristol Green Capital Fund<

Other walks & events in St George in 2015 (pdf) >>

Bristol Walking Festival
www.bristolwalkingfestival.co.uk

Photos >>

Dawn Chorus at Dundridge Park - 18 April 2015

Thank you to Friends of Dundridge Park for booking Ed Drewitt to lead a fascinating walk. 24 of us walked around Dundridge Park including part of the recently repaired deer path.

First calls we heard were blackbirds and wrens, then robins. Wood pigeons created a background of hooting sounds. Great tits starting making their bicycle pump call and later we heard sounds like stones cracking together, the alarm call of the black cap. There was a brief call from a goldfinch.

We heard the special "tsk, tsk" call of the female blue tit which is her call to tell the male to feed her. A heron and cormorant flew overhead as we crossed the football pitches. A really special treat was to hear a tree creeper.

As we neard the end of our walk we found Gary, the local postie, with his peregrine, waiting to meet Ed for a signnature in his copy of Ed's book "Urban Peregrines".

Many thanks to Paul of Nicholas Wanderers JFC for opening up the pavillion to serve us very warming coffees and teas.

Listen to Ed talking about the birds of Troopers Hill as part of our Audio Trail.

Listen to the 2008 dawn chorus recorded on Troopers Hill >>

Photos

Good Friday Service - 3 April 2015

A service has been held on Troopers Hill on Good Friday for many decades.

This year's event was organised by Churches Together in East Bristol and included the traditional procession from Summerhill Methodist Church to the Hill.

Photos >>

Star Gazing - 26 March 2015

Following the popularity of last year's event we were keen to hold another star gazing evening Troopers Hill in 2015. Star gazing is best near a new moon and of course requires clear skies, unfortunately the weather was against us for our possible dates in February and early March so we were pleased to have a glorious clear evening as the Bristol Astronomical Society (BAS) set up their telescopes on the last Thursday of March.

There was a good turnout and after a brief introduction and guide to what was where in the night sky everyone was able take a turn at each of the telescopes.

Some of the photographs have been annotated with names of the stars and constellations.

Visit www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk for other opportunities to join them and learn more about the night sky.

Stargazing 2014 Video >>

Photos >>

Sunday 5th October 2014 - Falcons on the Field

An 'awesome' afternoon with Westcountry Falconry who brought a variety of Raptors for us to meet. Stunning flying displays were accompanied by commentary explaining, amongst other things, how plants, herbivores and predators interact - often illustrated as "food chains or pyramids".

During the break between the two flying displays some of the birds were on display to allow people to get a closer look.

Paula Spiers was also with us getting our younger vistors putting together their own 'food web'; while thanks to our grant from the St George West Community First Panel which had funded the event, Friends of Troopers Hill were able to supply free tea & coffee and some other treats.

This was one of the best attended events we have held and we were especially pleased that most of the audience were local - as someone commented on facebook 'Really enjoyed it and right on our doorstep - thank you!!!'

These are our photographs, but there are also some wonderful shots on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Temporary toilet facilities were provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

The Community First Neighbourhood Matched Fund programme is administered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF) for the Office for Civil Society.

Photos >>

Photo competition winner >>

Sunday 21st September 2014 - History Walk

A walk in the sunshine with local historian, Rob Acton-Campbell learning more of the history of the Hill and the surrounding area.

Read more about the history of Troopers Hill on our History and Memories pages.

Photos >>

Saturday 9th August 2014 - Bugs & Beasties Hunt

A very enjoyable afternoon on the Hill with lots of children catching a range of bugs and taking them to Rupert Higgins and Dawn Lawrence to be indentified.

Although the approaching storm from the south west prevented the balloons from flying, the showers stayed away until after our event was finished.

Finds included five different species of crickets and three different grasshoppers.

Temporary toilet facilities were provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

Photos >>

Friday 18th July 2014 - Moth Night

A perfect evening with the Bristol and District Moth Group to finding out more about these beautiful and often colourful creatures. We met at 9.30pm and an increasing range of moths visited the trap as darkness fell.

The Moth Group (led by Ray Barnett and Rupert Higgins) would have happily stayed until well into the early hours of the morning, but just before mid-night we had to call a halt when we felt the first drops of rain of the approaching thunder storms.

Over 60 species of moths were recorded, a full list can be seen via the link below.

 Bristol Moth Group Field Meeting report - 18th July 2014

Photos >>

Sat 21st June 2014 - Music on the Hill

A wonderful summer evening of music with the fabulously pink Ambling Band. Enjoying the views over Bristol while listening to some great music.

After having to cancel this event due to the weather in 2012 & 2013 we were really pleased to get perfect weather and an excellent turnout with everyone clearly enjoying themselves. Many thanks to The Ambling Band for a great show.



Find out more about one of Bristol's favourite bands at www.theamblingband.co.uk

Temporary toilet facilities provided by Mendip Toilet Hire

Photos >>

Sun 18th May 2014 - Wild Flowers Walk

On a glorious sunny Spring morning we were joined by naturalist, Tony Smith, for a walk to learn more about the plants that thrive on the acidic soils on Troopers Hill. We also learnt something about the invertebrates that depend on them.

This walk was part of the Bristol Walking Festival 2014
www.bristolwalkingfestival.co.uk

Photos >>

Sun 6th April 2014 - Dawn Chorus Walk

Twenty five early risers joined Bristol's local bird expert & broadcaster Ed Drewitt for a very enjoyable and informative stroll around the Hill and back through the woodland. Starting at 5.45 gave us a chance to hear the dawn chorus at full volume from the top of the hill. Then as we moved round we were able to pick out individual birds more clearly.

The blackbird was the dominant voice at the start but it was soon joined by robins, wrens, blue tits, great tits and some chiffchaffs. We also heard a gold crest and a willow warbler which was passing through the area. Overhead there was a heron flying majestically down the line of the river and three cormorants flying west. Gulls and magpies were also around and we spotted a crow on its nest.

Many thanks to the Fountain Café for opening early to provide breakfast at the end of the walk.

Listen to Ed talking about the birds of Troopers Hill as part of our Audio Trail.

Listen to the 2008 dawn chorus recorded on Troopers Hill >>

Photos >>

Star Gazing - 11 March 2014

Due to the disappointing extent of cloud cover at our event in February, we held a second evening of star gazing on Troopers Hill with the Bristol Astronomical Society (BAS).

This time the cloud cleared as forecast just before the event started at 7.30pm to give us a clear if rather hazy night.

We looked at Jupiter's moons, the Orion Nebula, the double star Almach (Andromeda Gamma), the moon itself and much more. Some concern was voiced about the expected supernova of Betelgeuse, a mere 640 light years away, which may in fact already have happened or may not happen for a 1,000 years. We were taught to find our way across the sky using different reference points, such as Orion's sword. An entertaining and educational evening with BAS volunteers giving us a great deal more of their time than advertised.

Given the popularity of these events we will be inviting BAS back next year. In the meantime checkout www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk for other oportunities to join them and learn more about the night sky.

Stargazing Video >>

Star Gazing - 10 February 2014

Friends of Troopers Hill were joined by the Bristol Astronomical Society for an evening of star gazing on Troopers Hill.

There was a clear evening forecast before the next Atlantic storm and there were plenty of stars visible as the telescopes were being set up. Unfortunately some cloud then spread in, not clearing until about an hour later, when only the most hardy souls were still there on what was a cold evening.

After the cloud had cleared, we did see some of Jupiter's moons, the Pleiades and the Andromeda Galaxy. We had an amazing view of Cabot tower by telescope when the cloud was too thick for for stars.

We have ran another session in March, see above.

Avon Valley Walk - 08 December 2013

A change of route this year; since Beese's is not open in December we stayed on our side of the river and included some of the ruins in Conham as well as the Bath House (many thanks to its owners); Dundridge Park and Troopers Hill.

The weather was kind to us on a cloudy but mild day, there were even some glimpses of the sun. As we walked Rob talked about the history of the area and showed some of the old photographs we have collected, including some of those kindly donated to Friends of Troopers Hill by George Elliott.

You can find out more about the history of the area on our History and Memories pages.

Click here to see some old photos taken in the Avon Valley.

Click here to see more about the Avon Valley and the walk route.

Photos >>

Sun 3rd November 2013 - Fungi Foray

A showery morning with a brisk wind, but we missed the worst of the showers, and Troopers Hill produced another good crop of some 40 or so fungi.

As in previous year's Justin Smith was our expert. Susan had planned the route having checked the Hill the previous day (and taken some photos, see facebook link below). Again there was a good range of waxcaps in the grassland and the popular fly agaric was found amonst some low level bramble near a silver birch.

At the end of the walk, we also looked at the range of fungi on the log climbing structure in the Field.

There are also some close up photos of the fungi on our facebook page here

Justin's report on what we found. Links to Justin's reports from previous years can be seen here.

If you would like to learn more about fungi visit Justin's website at www.bristolfungi.org.uk.

This event is funded by our Stepping Forward Sustainability Grant, through the BIG Lottery Community Spaces Programme

Photos >>

Saturday 10th August 2013 - Family Fun Picnic

A Bugs and Beasties Hunt with expert Rupert Higgins identifying lots of finds (see photos page for list)

There was also a fun Craft Tent where Tim Floyd was helping with the creation of more wonderful creatures.

Afterwards there was a great display from the Balloon Fiesta hot air balloons.

The bugs & beasties hunt was funded by our Stepping Forward Sustainability Grant, through the BIG Lottery Community Spaces Programme

Temporary toilet facilities provided by Mendip Toilet Hire.

Fun Picnic Photos >>

Balloon Photos >>

Sat 22nd June 2013 - Music on the Hill

We had been looking forward to an appearance on the Hill by Bristol's 'pinking marvellous' Ambling Band for some 'fun on the edge of madness'. Unfortunately, due to the forecast of very strong winds and showers we decided on the day before that we had to cancel the event.

We are hoping to book the Ambling Band for next year instead.

Many thanks to the Ambling Band for agreeing not to charge us despite the late notice cancellation.

Sun 26th May 2013 - Bristol 99 Mini Bio-Blitz

A sunny but breezy afternoon for a Mini Bio-Blitz as part of the Bristol 99 Project.

Bristol 99 is organised by Bristol Natural History Consortium to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Nature; this events based project, is running throughout Bristol for a 6 week period between May 3rd and June 16th.
 

This was a great chance for everybody to have fun exploring Troopers Hill and learning more about this unique heathland habitat and the many creatures that live here. During a Bio-Blitz event scientists and members of the public work together to survey a natural space; seeking, identifying and recording as many species as possible.

We had three expert naturalists on site to help indentify what was found - Tony Smith, Ray Barnet and Matt Postles from the BNHC. Volunteers from both Friends of Troopers Hill and BNHC were also on site to help record the finds.

This event was sponsored by Western Power Distribution

Photos >>

Sun 26th May 2013 - Tree Gazing Walk

A warm sunny morning as Tony Titchen took us through Troopers Hill Woods stopping and looking at trees. As always Tony was very informative with much discussion about which were native trees and which were 'denizens' - trees that moved to the UK after the formation of the English Channel.

As part of our 2013 Stepping Forward project, some of the trees have been labelled by Tony and we will soon be launching a Troopers Hill Tree Trail with information sheets to download - watch this space! Tony will also feature on our Audio Trail which will also be launched later in the year.

This is Freinds of Troopers Hill's 100th event and along with the afternoon Mini-Bioblitz was part of the Bristol 99 Project - Troopers Hill 100 Bristol99.

This event was funded by our Stepping Forward Sustainability Grant, through the BIG Lottery Community Spaces Programme

Photos >>

Fri 29th March 2013 - Good Friday Service

The annual Good Friday Service is organised by local churches and is supported by Friends of Troopers Hill.

Normally there is a procession starting from Summerhill Methodist Church, followed by an ecumenical service on Troopers Hill. This year due to the very cold weather the Churches had to cancel the procession and instead held an indoor service at Summerhill Methodist Church. We are hoping for warmer weather next year.

Sun 17th March 2013 - Dawn Chorus Walk

As always Bristol's local bird expert & broadcaster Ed Drewitt gave us a very enjoyable and informative early morning walk around the Hill.

This walk was earlier in the year than our past walks. It was a damp morning with some light rain and mist in the river valley but it didn't stop the birds singing.

Four cormorants flew over as we were assembling in the Field and later we heard one of the resident green woodpeckers, though this year we didn't see it. Amongst the loud singing of the wrens, crows, robbins, dunnocks and great tits Ed picked out the song of the chiffchaff, which was the first he had heard this year.

Listen to the 2008 dawn chorus recorded on Troopers Hill >>

Report and Audio Slide Show from last year's walk on 'This is Bristol' >>

This event was funded by our Stepping Forward Sustainability Grant, through the BIG Lottery Community Spaces Programme

Photos >>

Sun 3rd February 2013 - Geology Walk

A very informative and enjoyable morning (despite the cold wind) with expert Andrew Mathieson exploring the geology of Troopers Hill. Looking across Bristol Andrew explained how the hills surrounding the City had been formed and how the rocks on Troopers Hill fitted into the geoplogical history of the area.

On the Hill we examined the sandstone with the fossil evidence of long gone forests and the traces of coal. In other areas mudstone is exposed. We also spoke about how the geology had impacted on the Hill's history.

You can find out more about the geology of Troopers Hill on our Geology Page. For more about geolgy in the Bristol area visit the Avon RIGS Group website.

Rob read the story of the accident in coal diggings on the Hill in 1913, this is taken from the Memories of Troopers Hill, Crews Hole, Conham & Hanham by Tom Fry (3MB). Andrew knew Tom when he worked at the museum.

Following the walk Andrew wrote up his notes of the Rocks of Troopers Hill, this can be downloaded from the link below:

 The Rocks of Troopers Hill by Andrew Mathieson

This event was funded by our Stepping Forward Sustainability Grant, through the BIG Lottery Community Spaces Programme

Photos >>

Details of earlier Events  >>

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