Other pages
Take a Virtual Tour
Virtual tour
Join us online
Last update:
Brown's Folly
Reserve view
for bat caves and Bath asparagus

Standing high above the river Avon with commanding views towards Bath, Brown's Folly has flower-rich grasslands and ancient woodland on the remains of old Bath stone quarries.

What to look out for

The extensive remains of Bath stone quarries provide a rich variety of wildlife habitats. A delightful downland flora has covered the spoilheaps where wild thyme, harebell and nine species of orchid - including the rare fly orchid - are found. The old mines offer a safe sanctuary for the threatened greater horseshoe bat, while damp cliff faces support a fascinating variety of ferns, fungi and spiders.

Pockets of ancient woodland on the lower slopes are home to woodpeckers, and unusual plants such as Bath asparagus.

Further information

The Bath stone quarries show good geological features and are a valuable insight into the area's industrial past.

Access

Some paths are muddy in winter. Take extreme caution when approaching rock faces. Mines must not be entered.

 

  Getting there by
Bike View a location map of the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.
Public transport Go to www.traveline.org.uk
Car

From the A363, turn onto Bathford Hill (by the Crown pub) from Bathford to Kingsdown. Take a steep right-hand turn after roughly 1000m onto Prospect Place which leads to Monkton Farleigh. The car park is near the brow of the hill.

 
Further information
Reserves in this area
Look for...
Maps
reserve map
reserve map
Reserve map National Cycle Network
Location details
 Grid ref
 ST 798 663
 Area  38.5 hectares
Ways into wildlife

Browns Folly is one of our Top 10 nature reserves!

Download a detailed walk for this reserve here (PDF).

Download the full Top 10 Reserves Guide (PDF).