|
17. 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.
|
