Reserves

Hellenge Hill

Grid ref: 345 572 / Area: 22.3 hectares

The site comprises calcareous grassland and scrub on the south-facing scarp of the Mendips with spectacular views across the Somerset Levels and the Bristol Channel.

How to get there
We encourage visitors to use environmentally friendly forms of transport wherever possible. Most of our reserves are easily accessible by bicycle, with many close to the National Cycle Network. Click here to view a location map of the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.

Alternatively, take the A370 south from Weston-super-Mare and take the minor road on the left signposted to Bleadon, after about 1.5 km. Park sensibly in the village and walk along the minor road towards Loxton. Turn left up the track which is part of the Mendip Way.

As well as the two public footpaths that cross the site there is open access to the grassland areas under Countryside Stewardship. The site is grazed by sheep and dogs are not allowed, except on leads along the public footpaths.

Wildlife and conservation
The calcareous grassland is species-rich and includes areas of a very rare type found only on the shallow soils on the hot southern scarp of the Mendips. This has characteristic rare plants such as honewort and Somerset hair-grass. Other notable species include pale flax, green-winged orchid, common broomrape, yellow-wort, carline thistle and autumn lady's tresses. Extensive gorse and hawthorn scrub provide good habitat for birds, invertebrates and adders (stout footwear is a sensible precaution). It is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI).

Further information
The reserve was purchased with funding from HLF, Wyvern Waste and public donation.

Autumn Lady's Tresses