Reserves

Willsbridge Valley

Grid ref: 665 708 / Area: 8 hectares

Here on the edge of Bristol an oasis of wildlife survives amongst modern housing estates. This peaceful wooded valley is the home of Willsbridge Mill, the Wildlife Trust's Education and Countryside Centre, where you can discover the living links with its industrial past.

How to get there
We encourage visitors to use environmentally friendly forms of transport wherever possible. Willssbridge Valley is very close to the Bristol - Bath Cycle Path, part of the National Cycle Network. Click here to view a location map of the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.

Alternatively, take the A431 Bristol to Bath road, turning into Long Beach Road. Car park on left. Buses from Bristol to Long Beach Road or Willsbridge Hill.

Access
Wheelchair access via Willsbridge Hill to most of valley, exhibition and toilets.

Wildlife and conservation
The valley contains many habitats. The woodlands are at their best in spring, full of bluebells, campions and the sounds of birdsong. The ponds are important homes for frogs, toads and dragonflies, and dippers and kingfishers may be seen on the stream.

Foxes and badgers also live in the valley and noctule and greater horseshoe bats feed on the many insects in the valley.

The wildlife garden is an inspiration, with excellent examples of how you can make your garden a better home for wildlife.

Other points of interest
The valley was once the site of milling, quarrying and a coal dramway.

Further information
The eighteenth century mill, which houses an exhibition, is temporarily closed (open on days of school visits and events - for details please ring 0117 932 6885). The exhibition and toilets are normally open from April to September. Willsbridge Mill and Valley are leased from South Gloucestershire Council.