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Lower Woods

A very large reserve with 23 woods and coppices whose boundaries have remained unchanged for several centuries

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

Species and habitats

Habitats
Woodland

Nearby nature reserves

Lower Woods
1 miles - Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Nind
3 miles - Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Midger
3 miles - Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

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Reserve information

Location
Hawkesbery Upton
Gloucester
Map reference
ST 743 870
Best time to visit
Jan - Dec
Get directions
Find out here
Public transport
Find out here
Opening Times
Open at all times
Size
272.20 hectares
Access
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
Walking information
Paths and steps can be muddy and slippery when wet. Access is slightly up hill, paths can be uneven
Parking
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.
Dogs
Dogs must be on lead
Grazing animals
no
Reserve manager
Avon Wildlife Trust
Tel: 0117 9177270
Avon Wildlife Trust