Lower Woods, about a mile east of Wickwar, is the most extensive semi-natural woodland in the Forest of Avon, with boundaries that have remained unchanged for several centuries.

This Site of Special Scientific Interest includes 700 acres (283 hectares) of superb ancient oak wood and grassland.

There is a rich woodland flora and excellent invertebrate, bird and mammal populations. Of particular note is the population of nightingales that occurs at the northern edge of the woodland. These elusive birds can be heard singing from the dense scrub along the woodland edge from the end of April to mid May.

Lower Woods is owned by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and managed with the support of Avon Wildlife Trust.

Access

There is an extensive network of paths through the woods, which are open to the public at all times.

How to get there...

From the A46, the main entrance to Lower Woods is off the road between Hawksebury Upton and Wickwar.

You can park at Lower Woods Lodge or in Wickwar, which allows a pleasant walk across open countryside to the reserve. 

Main vehicular access to parking at Lower Woods Lodge (ST 746 882), via a track off the Wickwar to Hawkesbury road. Vehicular access also at ST 743 862. Public footpaths and bridleways cross the reserve.

If possible, please try to use environmentally friendly forms of transport wherever possible.  The site can be easily accessed via a number of public footpaths as well as by bicycle.  Click here to view the Sustrans website showing a map of the National Cycle Network around Lower Woods.

Leaflet & Map

To download a map of the Lower Woods Reserve, please click here (LINK NEEDED). If you would prefer a hard copy, please contact us and we will be happy to send you one.

For more detailed information...

Avon Wildlife Trust
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

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.