Reserves and species

Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:20

Purn Hill

Purn Hill is part of the western Mendips, and has panoramic views across the Somerset Levels to the Blackdowns and Quantocks.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
4.66
Short Description: 
A grassland reserve with three nationally rare or threatened plants
Smartphone Description: 
Part of the western Mendips, this reserve is home to three plants that are nationally rare or threatened. These are honewory, Somerset hair-grass and white rock rose. Other species include ladies bedstraw, dropwort and pale flax. It has panoramic views across the Somerset Levels to the Blackdowns and Quantocks.
Location
Address: 
1 km west of the village of Bleadon
Town: 
Bleadon
County: 
Avon
Grid ref: 
ST 332 573
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Two access points. Public footpath allows access through site. Steps can be muddy. Grassy slopes can be slippery. Some gates to access walkways. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Car parking is restricted, two areas can be used one at top of hill and one at bottom
Walking information: 
There is a public footpath that crosses the reserve. Paths and steps may become muddy in winter. Caution due to slopes through out site. Some gates to access walkways.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Rock face with rock rose
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:20

Priory Farm

Although at first sight reeds appear to be the dominant plant, over 80 other species of flowering plant also grow here. Ragged robin, southern marsh orchid and marsh marigold can all be seen in patches of fen vegetation, along with less common plants such as bog stitchwort and fen bedstraw. Priory Farm is also the home of brown sedge, which is very rare in this area.
In summer, the main interest is the birds that breed in the reedbed such as sedge warblers and reed warblers. Listen for their scratchy songs in spring and summer.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
0.67
Short Description: 
This reserve close to industrial Portbury is a symbol of conservation in a threatened environment
Smartphone Description: 
Over 80 species of flowering plant grow amongst the reeds here at this wetland reserve. Ragged robin, southern marsh orchid and marsh marigold can all be seen in patches of fen vegetation. Less common plants include bog stitchwort and fen bedstraw. The locally rare brown sedge can also be seen here. Birds that breed in the reedbed such as sedge warblers and reed warblers
Location
Address: 
Located alongside the Portbury Hundred.
Town: 
Portbury
County: 
Avon
Grid ref: 
ST 499 756
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
No
Access info: 
Good views available from the road. There is no access to this site other than to walk alongside on the road. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park by the railway bridge on Station Road and walk along the road to the reserve.
Walking information: 
There is no access to this site other than to walk along side on the road
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Priory Farm
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:19

Pill Paddock

The site is surrounded by mature hedges which are good for birds and butterflies. Local children planted a small woodland when the reserve was established, mainly oak and ash, and for variety, some poplar, elder, willow and field maple were added.
A wildflower meadow is also showing some signs of success - common spotted orchid has been found growing here. The meadow is cut for hay every summer.
The reserve is owned by Easton-in-Gordano Parish Council and leased to the Trust.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
0.48
Short Description: 
The local community has transformed this old allotment site into a nature reserve, now home to a range of birds and butterflies.
Smartphone Description: 
The site is surrounded by mature hedges which are good for birds and butterflies. Local children planted a small woodland when the reserve was established, mainly oak and ash, and for variety, some poplar, elder, willow and field maple were added. A wildflower meadow is also showing some signs of success - common spotted orchid has been found growing here. The meadow is cut for hay every summer.
Location
Address: 
Located in Pill, opposite Rudleigh Road
Town: 
Pill
County: 
Avon
Grid ref: 
ST 519 754
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
The majority of the site is flat and allows easy access. Fields are often very wet and there are no formal paths. No suitable access for pushchairs and wheelchairs
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park on Westward Drive, by Rudleigh Drive
Walking information: 
Fields are often very wet and there are no formal paths. No suitable access for pushchairs and wheelchairs
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Pill Paddock
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by gloucestershire
2011-06-22 10:19

Lower Woods

At almost 300 hectares (700 acres), Lower Woods is the largest Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and is jointly managed with Avon Wildlife Trust. It is one of the largest woodlands in the Gloucestershire county. A visit to Lower Woods is to go back in time to what is still a Mediaeval landscape of individual woodlands and coppices surrounded by ancient woodbanks and separated by fingers of grazed Common land and old grassy roads called 'trenches'.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
Size: 
272.20
Short Description: 
Lower Woods is one of the largest ancient woodlands in the south-west of England and covers three square kilometres. The reserve has 23 woods and coppices whose boundaries have remained unchanged for several centuries.
Smartphone Description: 
At almost 300 hectares (700 acres), Lower Woods is the largest Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and is jointly managed with Avon Wildlife Trust. It is one of the largest woodlands in the Gloucestershire county. A visit to Lower Woods is to go back in time to what is still a Mediaeval landscape of individual woodlands and coppices surrounded by ancient woodbanks and separated by fingers of grazed Common land and old grassy roads called 'trenches'. The woods arise in the damp clay soils of the Vale of Berkeley and are made up of many distinct woodlands as well as grassland areas. The rich woodland flora includes carpets of bluebells in spring, with early purple and greater butterfly orchids and herb paris. In summer look for old meadow species including ragged-robin, common-spotted orchids, betony and devils-bit scabious and butterflies like white admiral and silver washed fritillary. The best places for birds are around the edges of the woods, especially in scrub or in the recently coppiced areas around the Lodge.
Location
Address: 
between Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton off Inglestone Common.
Town: 
Wickwar
County: 
Gloucestershire
Postcode: 
GL9 1BY
Grid ref: 
ST 746 881
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public and permissive footpaths. Paths and steps can be muddy and slippery when wet. Access is slightly uphill, paths can be uneven. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Most visitors park at Lower Woods Lodge accessed down a track opposite the Inglestone Farm Holiday Cottages off from the Wickwar to Hawkesbury Upton road. Informal parking for around 12 vehicles adjacent to Lower Woods Lodge . No designated parking bays.
Walking information: 
Paths and steps can be muddy and slippery when wet. Access is slightly up hill, paths can be uneven. There are a number of way-marked walks available with varying degrees of accessibility, but all with some physical barriers. Paths are narrow and with steep cross gradients in some places. Some of the flatter paths around Lower Woods Lodge are accessible for all terrain wheelchairs and pushchairs in the drier months of summer and early autumn.
Grazing animals: 
Cattle
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01452 383333
Reserve email address: 
info@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
Photos
Photo: 
Lower Woods nature reserve
Species: 
White Admiral
Silver-washed Fritillary
Ragged-Robin
Best time to visit
Start: 
January
End: 
December
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:19

Littleton Brick Pits

One of a chain of reed beds close to the Severn Estuary, this reserve is an important feeding and resting place for migrating birds. It is in an unusual setting, next to a wild stretch of the Severn Estuary and beside an industrial site.
The tall reeds provide a breeding ground for reed and sedge warblers and reed buntings. The best time to see migrating birds is when they arrive in spring, and late summer when they leave. The reed warbler is one such summer visitor, completely dependent on reed beds for nesting, and returning to the same breeding site each year.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
2.11
Short Description: 
A chain of reed beds close to the Severn Estuary that are an important feeding and resting place for migrating birds
Smartphone Description: 
The tall reeds within the reedbeds of this reserve are an important breeding ground for reed and sedge warblers and reed buntings. Migrating birds arrive in spring and stay until late summer. Reed warblers are an example of such a visitor and return to the same breeding site each year. In early autumn, other migrant birds visit the reserve, including blackcap, chiffchaff, willow warbler and whitethroat.
Location
Address: 
Permit access only, details from AWT
Town: 
Littleton-upon-Severn
County: 
Avon
Grid ref: 
ST 590 911
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access: 
Permit required
Access info: 
Permit required, contact the Trust. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Parking for permit holders only
Walking information: 
Contact the Trust
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Littleton Brick Pits
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
July
Best time to visit
Start: 
August
End: 
November
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:19

Hellenge Hill

The calcareous grassland of Hellenge Hill supports rare plants such as honewort and Somerset hair-grass which are only found on the hot southern scarp of the Mendips. Look out also for green-winged orchid, common broomrape, yellow-wort, carline thistle and autumn lady's tresses.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
22.38
Short Description: 
Lying on the south-facing scarp of the Mendips this reserve has spectacular views across the Somerset Levels and the Bristol Channel.
Smartphone Description: 
Hellenge Hill consists of grassland and supports rare plants such as honewort and Somerset hair-grass. Green-winged orchid, common broomrape, yellow-wort, carline thistle and autumn lady's tresses are also present.
Location
Address: 
Located above the village of Bleadon.
Town: 
Bleadon
County: 
Somerset
Grid ref: 
ST 344 573
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Two access points avaliable at Roman road and Shiplate road. Area hilly and very muddy when wet. Public footpaths allow access to part of the Mendip Way trail. Please contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in layby on Roman Road
Walking information: 
Public footpaths allow access to part of the Mendip Way trail. The site is grazed by sheep therefore dogs must be kept on leads.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Hellenge Hill
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:19

Folly Farm

Wildflower meadows and woodland surround the Folly Farm Centre at the heart of Folly Farm, a 250-acre nature reserve between Bath and Bristol which offers spectacular views over Chew Valley Lake and the Mendips.
 

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
101.25
Short Description: 
A reminder of how the English countryside in days gone by.
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of over 100 hectares of ancient woodlands and wildflower meadows that have never been farmed intensively. The woodlands are incredibly rich in spring flowers, including primrose, bluebell and early purple-orchid. Folly Farm is one of the largest examples within the UK of a ferme ornee; an ideal farm within a country estate that combined gardening, forestry and agriculture
Location
Address: 
The Folly Farm Centre, Stowey, Pensford
Town: 
Stowey
County: 
Bristol
Postcode: 
BS39 4DW
Grid ref: 
ST 607 604
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
Vistor centre?
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
Picnic area
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
Yes Toilets
Disabled toilet: 
Disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
Baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Public footpaths access the whole reserve. Some pathways are on hillsides and can be muddy when wet. Access for all trail allows access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are a variety of walking options avaliable within grassland and woodland and nature reserve guides at information boards.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Parking within visitor car park on site
Walking information: 
Access for all trails allow access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are a varity of walking options avaliable within grassland and woodland. Some paths are on hill sides so can be slippery and muddy.
Grazing animals: 
Yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7277
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Folly Farm Centre
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
July
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
November
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:19

Goblin Combe

ST 476 650The airy grasslands above the Combe make a marked contrast to the dark woodland below. A great spot for butterflies, with a magical view across Mendip.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
98.51
Short Description: 
A contrasting site, with airy grasslands and a dark combe
Smartphone Description: 
The airy grasslands above the Combe make a marked contrast to the dark woodland below. The damp wooded Combe is home to the rare moonwort fern that grows under the old yew trees. A thriving population of hazel dormouse is found in the woodland and scrub. Above the Combe is a limestone grassland that is dotted with wildflowers.
Location
Address: 
Near to the village of Cleeve, the reserve can be accessed from the neighbouring reserve manged by Goblin Combe Environment Centre.
Town: 
Cleeve
County: 
North Somerset
Grid ref: 
ST 476 650
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Very steep access, steps and paths can be muddy. Footpaths along the floor of Goblin Combe can be very muddy and slippery. Exercise caution and do not approach cliffs and scree slopes. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in the quarry on Cleeve Hill Road on the left side near the Goblin Combe Environmental Centre
Walking information: 
Footpaths along the floor of Goblin Combe can be very muddy and slippery. Exercise caution and do not approach cliffs and scree slopes.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Goblin Combe
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
July
Best time to visit
Start: 
September
End: 
November
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:19

Dolebury Warren

Spectacular views across North Somerset and the Mendips made Dolebury Warren the natural choice for an imposing Iron Age hill fort, built 3000 years ago.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
89.91
Short Description: 
The site of an Iron Age hill fort, now a haven for wildflowers and butterflies
Smartphone Description: 
Spectacular views across North Somerset and the Mendips made Dolebury Warren the natural choice for an imposing Iron Age hill fort. Today, wildflowers carpet the grassy ramparts and hill slopes, attracting rare butterflies.
Location
Address: 
Near to the village of Churchill, and the A38/A368 crossroads
Town: 
Churchill
County: 
North Somerset
Grid ref: 
ST 455 589
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Very steep access, steps and paths can be muddy. Strenuous in places. No suitable access for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Small car park off Doleburrow Lane, near main reserve entrance. If busy, it can be hard to turn around in the lane, so it is not suitable for very large vechicles. The lane can also get very muddy in winter.
Walking information: 
Some gravelled paths and steps, but strenuous in places. No suitable access for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Dolebury Warren
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by avon
2011-06-22 10:19

Coombe Brook Valley

On either side of the stream are small wooded areas of hazel, oak and sycamore trees. Most of the reserve is mature scrub of hawthorn and elder, which provides an important home for birds such as wren, greenfinch and spotted flycatcher. Many butterflies can also be seen here in the more open areas of scrub and grassland, including small tortoiseshell, peacock and speckled wood. Foxes are also known to frequent the valley.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Size: 
2.11
Short Description: 
Hidden away in the middle of a housing estate; a small wooded dingle sheltering a stream
Smartphone Description: 
On either side of the stream are small wooded areas of hazel, oak and sycamore trees. Most of the reserve is mature scrub of hawthorn and elder, which provides an important home for birds such as wren, greenfinch and spotted flycatcher. Many butterflies can also be seen here in the more open areas of scrub and grassland, including small tortoiseshell, peacock and speckled wood. Foxes are also known to frequent the valley.
Location
Address: 
Located in Fishponds, off Whitefield Road
Town: 
Bristol
County: 
Bristol
Grid ref: 
ST 631 748
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Sloped grassed areas. Difficult access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in Moorlands Road
Walking information: 
Difficult access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0117 917 7270
Reserve email address: 
Avon Wildlife Trust
Photos
Photo: 
Coombe Brook Valley
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
August
Best time to visit
Start: 
September
End: 
November
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve