Willsbridge Valley

Former mill, quarry and coal dramway, now an oasis of wildlife, with woodlands, ponds and a wildlife garden.

Location

The Dramway
Willsbridge

Bristol

BS30 6EX

Know before you go

Size

4 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

When visiting Willsbridge Valley, please park in the car park instead of parking in Burney Way.

Grazing animals

Walking trails

Wheelchair access via Willsbridge Hill to most of valley. Pathways enable exploration of the rest of the reserve. Can be muddy.

Access

Public footpaths allow access throughout the reserve. Car park is at rear of site and access is through the main footpath through the woodland. Wheelchair access via Willsbridge Hill to most of valley. Pathways enable exploration of the rest of the reserve. Can be muddy.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

Willsbridge Valley on the edge of Bristol is an oasis of wildlife amongst modern housing estates. The valley was once the site of milling, quarrying and a coal dramway. The valley contains many habitats. The woodlands are at their best in spring, full of bluebells, red campion and the sounds of birdsong. The ponds are important homes for frogs, toads and dragonflies, and dippers and kingfishers may be seen on the stream. Foxes and badgers also live in the valley and noctule and greater horseshoe bats feed on the many insects in the valley. You can learn about the history of the valley by following the heritage sculpture trail. The wildlife garden is an inspiration, with excellent examples of how you can make your garden a better home for wildlife. Please see Avon Wildlife Trust's Publications page for a public letter regarding Willsbridge Mill buildings, dated May 2014.