Watchhouse Hill is a 10-hectare public open space on the
eastern edge of the village of Pill, with fantastic views across
the River Avon. The site provides welcome leisure and
recreational facilities close to the city of Bristol and is
partly managed as a 'nature reserve' in partnership with the
Friends of Watchhouse Hill.
Location and access
The site runs alongside the River Avon in Pill (see
Map jpeg, Feb 11, 1.24MB).
The site is popular with dog walkers and a cycle track runs
along the western boundary fringe and links to the city centre.
Horse riding is also permitted on the cycle track.
Free car parking is available on site
What to see
A large area of the site is managed as a hay meadow, with a
hay cut done once a year at the end of the summer by a local
farmer. This management has created the conditions for a
diversity of wildlife that would not be able to survive on shortly
mown grass.
An old traditional orchard is the setting for a summer community
picnic as well as an Apple Day and Wassail. Dates for 2012 include
the Wassail on Saturday 14 January, the village picnic on Sunday 15
July and Apple day on Sunday 21 October.
The site was awarded a Green Flag in 2010 and 2011 and we will
be working towards achieving this again in 2012. This award
recognises the countries best green spaces, and is a credit to the
hard work of everyone involved.
Facilities
Facilities include a multi-use games area, play pod, teen
shelter and two football pitches. Benches have been positioned
around the site for those who wish to rest and take in the
views.
History
Evidence suggests that the hill contains important archaeology
and was once an Iron age hill fort. So far excavations have
not produced any conclusive evidence, although a number of
interesting artefacts were discovered and these are being
analysed.
For more information about Watchhouse Hill or to report a
problem contact our
Streets and Open
Spaces team.
(photo courtesy of Arthur Taylor)
