Troopers Hill has close links to Bristol’s industrial past but is now an important wildlife site with superb views over the Avon Valley. As those of you who came on the walk in August will know, Troopers Hill has two chimneys – one at the top and one at the bottom! Both chimneys are Grade 2 listed, the top one dating (we think) from copper smelting in the 1790s and the lower one from about 1820 as part of Troopers Hill Colliery. Friends of Troopers Hill were formed in 2003 to help look after the site in partnership with Bristol Parks. We organise events on the hill to raise awareness of the site, its wildlife and history. We also try to bring about improvements and have received funding both from the lottery and through landfill tax for new signs, benches and an improved access path. We carry out practical conservation tasks, such as clearing bramble and repairing fences at our regular work parties. These are held on the first Saturday of every month from IOam till 12 noon, they finish with a chat over coffee or tea and biscuits. Everyone is welcome to join in; we have our own tools. For anyone who cannot make weekends, we are hoping to add some weekday dates this winter. If we can recruit sufficient resources we would like to clear some of the woodland to explore the remains of the duct that used to run up the hill to the chimney. The other avenue for volunteers to help us is to carry out research into the history of the hill and the Crews Hole area. We are hoping to get some funding to produce a leaflet on the history of the site and would like to gather as much information as possible. If you are interested in helping, more details about the group, our work and the hill can be found on our website at www.troopers-hill.org.uk or contact Rob or Susan on 0117 947 5037 or via friends@troopers-hill.org.uk.