Reserves

Monk Woods

Grid ref: 754 709 / Area: 12 hectares

A series of ancient woodlands, cloaking both sides of a hidden valley, make up this tranquil reserve. With an impressive view over a reservoir, it is excellent for woodland flowers.

How to get there
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.

Alternatively, park along slip road near Cold Ashton off the A46 Bath-Stroud road. Follow footpath down into valley.

Access
Access to woods on open days only; good views from the footpath that runs through the valley. Paths are often wet and muddy.

Wildlife and conservation
These ancient woodlands consist mainly of coppiced hazel, field maple and ash. In springtime they are full of wildflowers such as wood anemones, bluebells and wild daffodils. This reserve is one of the few places in Avon where Solomon's seal is widespread.

The two slopes are very different: the south-facing slope is drier and plants flower earlier, while the north-facing slope is very wet with several springs. Marsh marigolds and water mint grow in these wetter areas. Look out for roe deer browsing in the woods.

The meadows nearby are also rich in plantlife, with knapweed, scabious and ox-eye daisy flowering in the summer. Buzzards are frequently seen here, hunting over the valley.

To encourage woodland flowers and the regeneration of trees, sections of the wood are re-coppiced. Areas of dead elms are also being replanted with oaks.

Further information
The reserve is owned by Wessex Water and managed under agreement by the Trust.