Willsbridge Mill
Telephone 0117 932 6885 or email ruthworsley@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
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, out-door classrooms and many walking trails, Willsbridge Mill is great for kids, learning about nature and simply enjoying the natural environment.
Where is it? Willsbridge Valley is very close to the Bristol - Bath Railway Path, part of the National Cycle Network. Click here to open the Sustrans map showing the reserve in relation to the Railway Path.
First Bus services 332/632 and 318/319 pass the reserve.
Alternatively, take the A431 Bristol to Bath road, turning into Long Beach Road. Willsbridge Mill Car Park is clearly signed from both directions.
Entry and parking is free, disabled access and parking is available at the Mill, please phone in advance, 0117 932 6885.
Opening Times – The Nature Reserve and walkways are open all the time and the Mill is open to the public on School days and for specific events, telephone in advance, 0117 932 6885.
Wildlife - This green oasis, which was once a bustling industrial site, now supports an amazing array of wildlife habitats – woodland, ponds, meadows, scrub, quarries and a demonstration wildlife garden, running along the fast – flowing Siston Brook. The reserve is home to kingfishers, dippers, owls, foxes, badgers, and bats.
Sculpture Trail - The Willsbridge Mill Heritage Sculpture Trail offers an ideal route to explore the nature reserve – it’s dotted with striking environmental sculptures made from local materials. Also, there’s a sequence of brass leaf-shaped plaques with different designs on, perfect for children to take brass rubbings.
Environmental education and schools programmes are key to Willsbridge Mill. School programmes are available all year round, developed with strong curriculum links, catering from reception to year 10. Activities include pond dipping, stream quality survey, river study, woodland tree id, mini-beast hunts, wildlife games, nature, history and geology treks.
There is also an interactive, hands on history and wildlife exhibition, available for school visits and weekend festivals.
A full training programme is available to teachers and others working with children – workshops cover composting, recycling, wildlife gardening and environmental arts.
For any enquires on the education programme at the Mill, call 0117 9177270.
Events for the public are staged throughout the year – from dawn chorus walks in the spring and fungal forays in the autumn to owl prowls in winter. There are also weekend festival days, including Tree Dressing Fairs and Seed Gathering Sundays, as well as school holiday activity sessions. For more information, visit the News and Events section of the site.
Volunteers - The centre is managed by 3 permanent staff with the invaluable support of over 60 volunteers who assist with all aspects of the centre. Willsbridge Mill is always looking for extra help so if you would like to get involved, call 0117 9326885.
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