Wick Golden Valley is a picturesque Local Nature Reserve at the foot of the Cotswold Hills in South Gloucestershire. The reserve contains a variety of habitats along the slopes and bottom of the valley, including a river corridor, woodland and grassland. These have been heavily influenced by the quarrying and production of refined ochre that took place in the 20th century (closing down in 1968). You can see the red ochre remains in the soil around the reserve

The River Boyd runs through the site. A long stretch of the river corridor contained within the boundaries of the site has been straightened. There are some large old trees, including species that indicate ancient woodland such as the 'wild service' trees above the ochre bins.  The Valley is home to a fascinating array of wildlife including Peregrine Falcons, Kingfishers, dippers, crayfish, bats and earth star fungi.

Access

The reserve is easily found with entrance signs and trail markers created by the Forest of Avon Wood Products Cooperative.  The Red Ochre Trail in the lower part of the reserve is fully accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs with disabled parking available at the nearby Carpenters Arms.  The 250m walk from the pub along tarmac paths and up a private lane takes you to the main entrance to the reserve. From here take the tarmac road up to the bridge and follow the red ochre trail, a circular walk about a mile long. Unsurfaced paths are steeper and narrower in other areas.

Getting There

The main entrance to Wick Golden Valley is on the A420 near the Carpenters Arms, (OS Explorer 155, grid reference: ST 702 708). Bus services are available along the A420 and bicycle locks are provided near to the entrance.  There are also public footpaths that connect the reserve with nearby towns and villages.  Visitors by car can use the Wick Village Hall car park, which is signposted off the A420 near the Rose and Crown pub. Blue badge holders can use two accessible parking bays at the Carpenters Arms. 

Get Involved

The reserve is cared for by local people who have recently set up a friends group to assist the South Gloucestershire Council in managing the reserve. The group organises events and practical workdays listed in the council's 'What's On' webpage. Search for events using the history/heritage category.

Leaflet & Map

A free site leaflet is available upon request.  A bat audio guide to assist people - including those who are visually impaired, to visit the site at dusk and discover the magic of bat detecting is also available from local libraries.

The Countryside Code

Please follow the The Countryside Code when visiting the site and help respect, protect and enjoy our countryside and public open space.