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| for
ancient woodland walks and meadow flowers |
Lower Woods is a very large reserve
with 23 woods and coppices separated by ancient grassy
trenches and tracks. Its boundaries that have remained
unchanged for several centuries.
What
to look out for
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 – listen out for song thrushes,
willow warblers, blackcaps and even nightingales.
Further information
The site is owned by Gloucestershire
Wildlife Trust and managed jointly with them.
| Bike |
View a location map of the
reserve on the National
Cycle Network website. |
| Public transport |
Go to www.traveline.org.uk |
| Car |
Lower Woods is located between Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton. 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.
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