Wick Golden Valley nature reserve

Wick Golden Valley local nature reserve is an area of woodland and paths.

It has a valley, the River Boyd, grasslands and a high point called Raven’s Rock with views across to Wick Quarry and the Cotswolds. The site was once a world famous ochre processing factory.

How to get there

It can be accessed from the A420 at the end of Golden Valley Road.

There is no car park and very limited on street parking. We recommend visiting by walking, cycling or by using public transport.

You can find a cycle rack near the Golden Valley Road entrance.

There is also a bus service that runs to Wick from Bristol bus station. You can use Travelwest’s journey planner for more information.

Address

Golden Valley Road, Bristol, BS30 5QJ

Map

Accessibility

The lower part of the reserve has surfaced mostly level paths suitable for most wheelchair users and pushchairs.

From the High Street walk along Golden Valley Road to the main entrance. You can take the tarmac road up to the bridge and follow the red ochre trail which is a circular route about a mile long.

Facilities

There are no public toilets or cafés at this nature reserve.

Community support

The nature reserve is cared for by the Friends of Wick Golden Valley. It is made up of a group of residents who help us manage the reserve.

They organise a range of events to help raise awareness of the nature reserve.

You can find out more or contact the conservation group on their Friends of Wick Golden Valley Facebook page.

Wildlife

There is a rich mix of habitats that provide a valuable place for wildlife by providing food and shelter. At Wick Golden Valley nature reserve you can find Daubenton bats, wildflowers and earth star fungi.

Audio trails

We have created a bat audio trail to use at Wick Golden Valley to help you discover bats or other wildlife.

History

The site has a history of industrial work in the old quarry where ochre and iron were mined.

In 1761 it was reported that there was an iron works and paper mill within the valley.

The 1882 Ordnance Survey map shows a rolling mill and dam across the river. In 1895 records show that ochre processing works were in operation. This happened on the site up until 1968 when it was closed down after local flooding.

Two years later the buildings were demolished, the site was cleared and it left for nature to reclaim.