Nature reserves and woodlands in the Green Capital

Let's take a stroll together and soak up summer at one of the city's many stunning nature reserves and woodlands. Welcome to Bristol, the European Green Capital 2015

Ashton Court Estate

Ashton Court Estate lies on the western edge of the city and dates back to before the eleventh century, covering 860 acres of woodland, open grassland, rolling hills, golf course and deer park; the 2.3 hectares of Ashton Court's meadow is managed as a nature reserve by the Avon Wildlife Trust.

Much of the estate contains a large variety of wildlife, and was notified in 1998 as a site of special scientific interest due to the rare woodland beetles (including Ctesias serra), unusual parasitic plants and a 700-year-old oak tree named Domesday Oak.

Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, BS41 9JN

Brandon Hill Park

Brandon Hill is not only one of the oldest open spaces in inner Bristol, it's also one of the first wildlife parks set up here. This park features a man-made stream and pond, landscaped Japanese-style gardens, wildlife areas and the most incredible views across the city from the ground all the way up to the world-famous Cabot's Tower.

Brandon Hill Park, Park Street, BS1 5RR

Stoke Park Estate and Frome valley

You will probably recognise the famous ‘Custard Castle’ as you drive into the city. This grade II-listed historic park and gardens is alongside the M32 and features many well known landmarks including the custard-yellow Dower House, the fishing lake, World War II gun emplacements and the Purdown BT Tower. Beautiful place for a picnic, mountain biking or a simple stroll to take in the diverse range of wildlife.

With walks along the Frome valley alongside the Frome river and its wildlife, you maybe lucky enough to spot one of the Kingfishers. The estate is hosting a number of upcoming events including the Festival of Nature starting Monday May 25.

Stoke Park Estate, Duchess Gate, Park Road, Stapleton, BS16 1AU

Troopers Hill Nature Reserve

Troopers Hill is a lovely hillside reserve overlooking the Avon river, with fantastic views over Bristol. The large chimney was built in the late 1700s and was used for copper smelting and later, in the 1800s, coal and fireclay were mined from the hill.

Troopers Hill is located between Air Balloon Road and Crews Hole Road

Leigh Woods Nature Reserve

Leigh Woods is a serene woodland managed by the National Trust and the Forestry commission. Overlooking the Avon Gorge and situated over Brunel's suspension bridge, it's a tranquil setting from which to drink in the beautiful and unique views of the city. Covering two square kilometres, it's host to many walking routes, bird hides and mountain bike trails. This time of year there is a carpet of bluebells and flowering wild garlic, and it's a real wildlife haven; a real treat for all the senses. 

 

 

Narroways Hill

Narroways is a small grassland and wooded ridge hidden among railway lines in St Werburghs. A beautiful spot to go and surround yourself with a magnificent view, wildflowers and a vast range of wildlife. 

Narroways Hill, BS2 9YT 

Royate Hill Local Nature Reserve

Nestled between Greenbank Cemetery and the Bristol to Bath cycle path is an unusual, small nature reserve, partly perched on an old railway viaduct. With wildflowers, woodland and the Coombe Brook running under one of the railway arches. The hill is also a peaceful home to local wildlife.

Royate Hill Nature Reserve, BS5 6XX

Avon Gorge And Downs Wildlife Project

The River Avon runs through a limestone ridge about a mile and half from Bristol city centre. The gorge is beautiful spot full of wildlife, rare invertebrate species, mini-beasts and wildflowers with a total of 24 rare plant species and unique trees in the area. For aspiring ecologists and nature-lovers, this a must-see patch of Bristol. The project is in place to protect the outstanding range of wildlife and to help raise awareness of the site's ecological importance for our busy city.

A little further afield are a couple more beautiful spots...

Blaise Castle Estate

Blaise Castle Estate is a large woodland estate situated within Bristol County. A Grade ll-listed eighteenth century building sits in 650 acres of open grassland and woodlands, and a folly overlooks a gorge with Hazel Brook running through the middle; this beautiful parkland has it all (including toilets and café!).

Local climbers are drawn here too to conquer the limestone rock face Goram's Chair, which can be observed from lovers leap opposite or from the folly (open the third Sunday of each month over summer).

Blaise Castle Estate, BS10 7QT

Westonbirt Arboretum

The National Arboretum is managed by the Forestry Commission and is home to the UK's largest collection of trees; a picturesque landscape full of trees from all around the world, with at least 2,500 different types of tree.

This beautiful place is stunning all year round, with the colours ranging from new leaves to the breathtaking show of autumnal colours. There are many facililties on site, wheelchair access, workshops, sculpture trail and plant nursery. Great place for a full day out to fully immerse yourself into nature.

Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS

  

 Want to go even greener? Visit one of Bristol's local parks and picnic spots.