THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
WHERE TO WATCH BIRDS IN S. GLOUCESTERSHIRE
If you have a favourite 'patch' and would like to feature it here - get in touch!
AVON VALLEY WOODLANDS LNR
Avon Valley Woodlands proposed LNR consists of 38 ha of woodland, flood meadow and riparian habitat in the Avon Valley between Conham and Hanham. A local community group has carried out some preliminary management work. The site is recognised as a Forest of Avon Gateway site. The River Avon Trail, a strategic long distance path linking Bristol and Bath passes through the site. Grid reference ST: 647 702.
GOLDEN VALLEY LNR, WICK
A mixture of diverse habitats can be found at Golden Valley LNR in the middle of Wick, there are mature woodlands, limestone grassland, excellent for wild flowers and butterflies and a large working quarry. The R. Boyd runs through the valley forming scenic habitats within parts of the old Ochre Works. Work has recently been carried out creating new and more accessible routes through the valley. Grid reference ST: 703 728.
The main entrance is off the A420 which is the High Street in Wick. Car parking is available at the village hall where an information board can be found. Parking for the disabled is available at the Carpenters Arms.
Birds:
Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Peregrine, Osprey, Raven, Kingfisher, all three Woodpeckers, Tawny and Little Owl, Marsh Tit and in summer several species of Warbler.
GORSE COVERT LNR:
Gorse Covert LNR is a site measuring 4.35 ha containing broadleaved woodland, a pond and ditch and two areas of amenity grassland. The reserve is in the heart of Patchway, an area of high deprivation and so is a haven for local people to experience nature. The site borders a local primary school that has helped make and install nest boxes for birds. The local secondary school has also been involved in designing interpretation material for the site. A long standing and active conservation group helps manage the site. Grid reference ST: 594 817.
HAW WOOD:
Haw Wood is near Cribbs Causeway. Go to the end of the A4018, Passage Rd. Cross Cribbs Causeway and go up a lane called Berwick Drive which runs next to the Rugby Ground. Take the lane to the top and park where it turns hard right just before crossing over the M5. There is a deceptively large (in winter) pond full of dead trees nearby which is always worth a look. Carry on along the lane over the motorway, then turn off right opposite the track to farm on left, and then left onto footpath that goes along Spaniorum Hill.
Birds: Lesser Spotted Woospecker, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit, Woodcock, Tree Pipits, Redstarts and Pied Flycatcher have all been seen historically. Red-backed Shrike was found by the late Norman Lacy on Spaniorum Hill in June, probably 1943.
HENEAGE COURT POOLS
The pools were formed in 1990 in the grounds of Heneage Court near Falfield and consist of two freshwater pools surrounded on three sides by open parkland and on the eastern side by a narrow strip of woodland that protects the area from motorway noise. Grid reference ST: 687 933.
The site can be accessed from the B4509 and lays between the A38 and the M5 at junction 14. Parking here is on the grass verge near a five bar gate but can be hazardous and there is room for just two or three vehicles. The pools are strictly private but can be seen from the B4509 and public footpath that crosses the fields between the large house and the pools. Please respect the landowners wishes and do not leave the designated footpaths.
Birds: Mandarin, Little Egret, Egyptian Goose, Little Grebe, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, a resident flock of Canada Geese and Tufted Duck.
HUCKFORD QUARRY LNR:
Huckford Quarry LNR lies on the banks of the River Frome north of Winterbourne Down. The site was designated an LNR in 1994 in recognition of its importance to the local community as a site of nature conservation importance and cultural heritage. It is owned by South Gloucestershire Council and managed in partnership with Winterbourne Countryside Group, supported by English Nature. Grid reference ST: 657 800.
INGLESTONE COMMON
There are large areas of common land, mainly for grazing, with lots of scrubby areas and deciduous woodland. Several rides have been made through the woodland allowing plenty of access. Large sections of the woodland are regularly coppiced opening up areas that were largely overgrown making it ideal for many woodland species. Grid reference ST: 756 881.
Signposted from the B4060 on the Wickwar to Wotton under Edge road, drive across the common, turn right at Inglestone Farm and park at Lower Woods Lodge, there is an information board in the parking area. Unfortunately there is no public transport to this site.
Birds: Nightingale, Marsh and Willow Tit, all three Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Wood Warbler, Peregrine, Hobby, Tawny and Little Owl, plus a few of the more scarce birds including, Wryneck, Long-eared Owl and Turtle Dove. In the winter months Redpoll, Siskin and Crossbill can all be seen.
MARSHFIELD
The area is the highest point in S. Gloucestershire and is essentially arable farmland with lots of hedgerow and dry stone walling. It is a fairly large area but offers some excellent bird watching especially in late summer autumn and winter. Grid reference ST: 785 754.
Park on the A 420 at Marshfield ST: 786 738 and access the area via the numerous lanes and footpaths. There are some quite wide grass verges which can be used but generally parking can be difficult away from the main A 420 and A46 access routes.
Birds:The area is the hot spot for Quail and possibly Corncrake however lots of other species have been seen including, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Red-legged and Grey Partridge, Hobby, Merlin, Tree Sparrow, Montagu's Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Dotterel, Brambling plus flocks of Golden Plover and Lapwings. In recent years sightings have included Red Kite and Goshawk, Lapland Bunting with two real surprises, a female Woodchat Shrike and a male Bluethroat.
OLDBURY POWER STATION
The are numerous habitats at this site, the River Severn and its mudflats, rocky and tidal pools plus three lagoons. Lagoon I is the oldest settling tank which is now filled but does flood in winter. Lagoon II is also disused and has a scrubby habitat with a small reed bed. Lagoon III is the only active settling tank. The nature trail has meadows and an orchard. Access to the lagoons and the nature trail can be gained by written request and permission should be sought at the Gate House before entering the site. Access can also be gained from the Severn Way, which runs along the north-east coastal footpath of the River Severn. Grid reference ST: 609 944.
Sign posted from the A38 at Thornbury, follow the B4061 and the minor roads towards Oldbury-on-Severn.
Birds: Lagoon III is good for high tide wader and gull roosts but the site has attracted some real rarities, Ring-necked Duck and Sabine’s Gull, Green-winged Teal and Kumlien's Gull, Long-eared Owl, Black-winged Stilt, Semipalmated Sandpiper not to mention the more common species.
OVERSCOURT WOOD & PLANTATION
The Forest Enterprise (part of the Forestry Commission) purchased land at Overscourt Farm in 1998 and planted Overscourt Wood. The site was further extended following the purchase of land at Webbs Heath Farm in 2001. The result is 87 hectares (207 acres) of new woodland and open space with full public access and wonderful views of Kingswood, Bristol and the Cotswold Edge. Grid reference ST: 688 748.
You can get to Overscourt Wood from Siston Lane, which runs between Pucklechurch and Bridge Yate. There is a small car parking area - coming south from Siston, take the first left along a farm track immediately after the bridge over Siston Brook. The terrain varies from level to relatively steep, all paths within the wood are grass. There is a small parking area on site and a number of public footpaths cross the area. Improved facilities, including parking, are planned.
Birds: Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, several other common warblers, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Redpoll, Siskin Owls and Raven.
SEVERNSIDE
The Severn Estuary is extremely tidal and is exceptionally good for birds, the habitat consists of mud flats, rocky pools and brackish grazing land. It is of huge importance to migrating and wintering birds and is recognised as one of the Britain's top sites. Grid reference
ST: 542 865.
Access is north of Avonmouth on the A 403 and sites include Severn Beach, New Passage, Northwick Warth and Aust. North of the M4, Littleton Warth, Oldbury Power Station and the shoreline just beyond Shepperdine.
Birds: Over 250 species have been recorded from this area of S. Gloucestershire alone including: Divers, Grebes, Shearwaters and Petrels, Swans, Geese, numerous Duck, Raptors, some exceptional Waders, Skua's, Gulls and Terns. S. Gloucestershire's first ever Subalpine and Dartford Warblers were recorded on Severnside, the list goes on... But let's not forget Severnside above the M4 where several other S. Gloucestershire firsts have been found.
THREE BROOKS LNR
Three Brooks LNR is made up of three woodlands that lie adjacent to each other at Bradley Stoke, the largest private housing estate in Europe. Savages Wood is a 5 ha secondary woodland on an ancient woodland site. Webbs Wood is a 2 ha woodland that has been on the site for at least 300 years. A smaller copse, Sherbournes Brake, a large amenity pond, a tump of grassland that looks like an iron age hill fort – but is a spoil tip created from earth excavated to make the Severn Crossing! And small patches of grassland make up the whole reserve, Small brooks and hedgerows link these feature up making important wildlife corridors. A new community is being established to help look after the reserve. Grid reference; ST: 622 822.
WAPLEY BUSHES LNR
Wapley Bushes LNR was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1992 following several years of local interest and activity in the site. It is owned by Dodington Parish Council and managed in partnership with Wapley Bushes Conservation Group. Situated near Yate the site is well used by local people. The reserve covers 11.65 hectares and comprises a small broad-leaved woodland, a new plantation of mixed native broadleaves, two semi-improved neutral meadows, two old ponds and mature hedgerows and associated ditches. Grid reference; ST: 710 807.
WARMLEY FOREST PARK
Warmley Forest Park is owned by South Gloucestershire Council and is a mixture of young broadleaved woodland and open space. The site is best accessed from the Bristol-Bath Railway Path, which lies immediately adjacent to the site. There is no designated car park so if you intend to park in the residential area adjacent to the site, please do so with consideration of the needs of local residents. You can get to Warmley Forest Park from the Bristol & Bath Railway Path or from the public footpaths at Warmley. Grid reference; ST: 671 737.
Birds: Kingfisher, Tawny Owl, Moorhen and several warblers have all been recorded.
WILLSBRIDGE MILL
Set in a peaceful valley on the edge of Bristol, Willsbridge Mill is an impressively restored 19th Century Corn Mill and Long Barn located within a stunning 22 acre nature reserve. With its environmental education programmes, outdoor classrooms and many walking trails, Willsbridge Mill is great for kids, learning about nature and simply enjoying the natural environment. Grid reference ST: 667 708.
Access Willsbridge Mill from the A431 between Bristol and Bath where the Willsbridge Mill Car Park is clearly signed from both directions. Entry and parking is free, disabled access and parking is available at the Mill, contact 0117 932 6885 for assistance.
Birds: Kingfisher, Dipper, Tawny Owl, Firecrest and Hawfinch have all been recorded here.