Guided Reserve Walk - Lower Woods

Lower Woods is one of the largest ancient woodland in the south-west, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Areas of grazed common land and wide grassy pathways known as ‘trenches’ separate 23 individual traditionally coppiced woodlands, the boundaries of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

While patches of Lower Woods were planted up in the 1950s and 1960s with non-native softwood trees like western red cedar and Norway spruce, naturally it was a broad-leaved deciduous woodland with native trees like oaks, ash and hazel. Small-leaved limes and wayfaring trees can also be found here, along with wild service trees that develop fruits called chequers which litter the floor in autumn.

There are small wildflower-rich meadows and open banks, with the Little Avon River flowing through the reserve and into the River Severn. The rich woodland flowers and plants here include carpets of bluebells in spring, early purple orchids, greater butterfly orchids and herb Paris. In the summer look for old meadow species including ragged-robin, common-spotted orchids, betony and devil’s-bit scabious.

Standing deadwood can also be found throughout the woodland, which is a very important habitat for insects and invertebrates.

This is a perfect chance to explore Lower Woods with a knowledgeable guide, who works onsite throughout the year. 

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Host or Publisher Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust