The flat sandy beach is only 250m beyond the boatyard and runs to the Knightstone jetty on the sea front at Weston- super-Mare. When the tide is out, the lower reaches of the beach are muddy and can be dangerous. Salt flats cover the seaward area Southwest of the Boatyard sea defence and a footpath crosses to the sand dunes at the southern end of the beach near the outfall of the River Axe opposite Brean Down.

And be warned; you cannot cross the River Axe from Uphill to get to Brean Down – many have tried and have had to be rescued (or drowned in the attempt). The only way is via a road journey of five or six miles.

Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve is located to the south of the village of Uphill, which is itself just south of Weston super Mare. This 17 hectare site is owned by North Somerset Council and is popular with the local community. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Uphill Hill is part of the Mendip Limestone Grasslands Special Area of Conservation, (SAC) supporting a diverse flora and valuable insect habitat.

The site lies on carboniferous limestone, which has been formed into a sheer face by quarrying at the western edge. A very diverse flora is found on the rock ledges of the disused quarry and steeper slopes of the Hill. An outstanding display of cowslips, primroses and green winged orchids covers the northern and eastern hill slopes in the Spring. The rest of the site is more level and gently sloping and consists of semi-improved calcareous grassland.

A tower tops the Hill and can be climbed for a panoramic view. Archaeological features include a disused lime kiln, a sheepwash and a powder house.

Together with the Plantation the Donkey Field, variously known as the 'Bluebell' and 'Snowdrop' Field, forms a green barrier between Uphill and Weston-super-Mare.

The field famous for its springtime display of flowers took its original name in Thomas Tutton's day when it became the retirement field for a donkey used on the Manor estate to pull a little handcart on which was the name "Thos. Tutton Knyfton Esq. Recorder of Axbridge". Indeed the cart was also to be seen in the field until it fell to bits. The donkey was everyone's pet and was buried in the field. Later the field was used to pasture beach donkeys from Weston.

Forming part of the Graves-Knyfton estate the field and plantation was acquired by the Woodland Trust in 1997 for the benefit of the village and residents. Today cattle graze under the parkland trees and look out over the iron fence.

Visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

The Plantation & Bluebell Field Uphill, Weston-Super-Mare
OS Landranger 182; Explorer 153; ST 318591; 12.3 acres (5.0 ha) Parking Nearby; Mainly Broadleaved Woodland; Grassland

Walborough

This reserve situated just south of Uphill village has salt marsh and limestone grassland with rare plants and insects.

Purchased by Avon Wildlife trust in 1996 with help from the heritage lottery fund and others including many local people this 49-acre wildlife reserve is made up of limestone grassland, salt marsh and muddy bank of the Axe Estuary Uphill Pill.

Known to many locals as Young's hill it is similar to Uphill hill and has the same plants. The salt marsh is very varied with many specialised plants acclimatised to growing with the tides flooding over them at times. Many rare species are to be found here.