Reserves

Lower Woods

Grid ref: 743 876 / Area 284 hectares

Lower Woods are the most extensive semi-natural woodland in the former County of Avon, with boundaries that have remained unchanged for several centuries.

How to get there
Lower Woods are about a mile east of Wickwar.

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.

Access
Main vehicular access to parking at Lower Woods Lodge (ST746882), via a track off the Wickwar to Hawkesbury road. Vehicular access also at ST743862. Public footpaths and bridleways cross the reserve.

Wildlife and conservation
The woods are situated on the damp, mildly acidic or slightly calcareous clay soils of the Vale of Berkeley. The site is made up of many distinct woodlands, separated by wide tracks known locally as 'trenches'. There is a range of woodland types, as well as grassland areas, the Little Avon River, springs and important geological exposures, plus a rich woodland flora and excellent invertebrate, bird and mammal populations.

Of particular note is the population of nightingales that occurs at the northern edge of the woodland. These elusive birds can be heard singing from the dense scrub along the woodland edge from the end of April to mid May.

Further Information
The site is owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and managed jointly with them.