Willsbridge Valley nature reserve

Willsbridge Valley local nature reserve is an area of woodland and paths near Longwell Green. It has 4 ponds, grassland and a wildlife garden.

How to get there

The nature reserve can be accessed from the Dramway, Long Beach Road and on Willsbridge Hill.

The main car park for the site is located on Long Beach Road. There is limited car parking on Willsbridge Hill. 

Address

Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9XE

Map

Accessibility

The nature reserve has accessible parking at its entrance on Willsbridge Hill and many routes are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, including the popular wildlife garden.

Other paths leading towards the Dramway contain steep gradients but are well surfaced.

Facilities

The main car park for the site is located on Long Beach Road. 

The mill buildings contain a café, small museum and gift shop.  Toilets are available during operating hours.

Community support

The nature reserve is managed by Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh who operate the café and mill buildings.

You can find out more or contact the group on their Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh Facebook page.

Wildlife

The nature reserve contains many habitats such as Siston Brook, 4 ponds and mature woodland.

The woodland is mainly native species of tree and shrub particularly ash and elder. Willow is found along the banks of the brook and there are sycamore and mature oak trees on the slopes of the valley.

The scrub includes bramble, a large copse of wild cherry, and self-seeded ash. The area is an important nesting site for nightingales.

The whole site is important for a whole range of birds, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians.

Audio trails

We have created a bat audio trail to use at Willsbridge Valley nature reserve to help you discover bats or other wildlife.

History

The nature reserve has many walks leading to Willsbridge Mill which is a restored 19th century corn mill and long barn.