Purn Hill

Grassland in western Mendips with views across the Somerset Levels, home to three nationally rare or threatened plants.

Location

West Mendip Way
Bleadon

Weston-super-Mare

BS24 0AL

Know before you go

Size

5 hectares

Entry fee

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

There is a public footpath that crosses the reserve. Paths and steps may become muddy in winter. Caution due to slopes through out site. Some gates to access walkways.

Access

Two access points. Public footpath allows access through site. Steps can be muddy. Grassy slopes can be slippery. Some gates to access walkways. Contact the Trust for disabled access information

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

Purn Hill is part of the western Mendips, and has panoramic views across the Somerset Levels to the Blackdowns and Quantocks. Purn Hill is home to three plants that are nationally rare or threatened. These are honewort, Somerset hair-grass and white rock rose, which is only found at two sites in the UK - Brean Down being the other one. Ladies bedstraw, dropwort, pale flax, yellow-wort and carline thistle are also found here. Purn Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and much of the grassland on its slopes is of national importance, found only on a few other sites on the south facing slopes of the Mendips. This site was purchased with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Hemmings Waste Management (through landfill tax credits), and the Alan Evans Memorial Trust.