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39. Willsbridge Valley
Grid ref: 665 708 / Area: 8 hectares
Here on the edge of Bristol an oasis of wildlife survives
amongst modern housing estates. This peaceful wooded
valley is the home of Willsbridge Mill, the Wildlife
Trust's Education and Countryside Centre, where you
can discover the living links with its industrial past.
How to get there
We encourage visitors
to use environmentally friendly forms of transport
wherever possible. Willssbridge Valley is very close
to the Bristol - Bath Cycle Path, part of the National
Cycle Network. Click
here to view a location map of
the reserve on the National Cycle Network website.
Alternatively, take the A431 Bristol to Bath road,
turning into Long Beach Road. Car park on left. Buses
from Bristol to Long Beach Road or Willsbridge Hill.
Access
Wheelchair access via Willsbridge
Hill to most of valley, exhibition and toilets.
Wildlife and conservation
The valley
contains many habitats. The woodlands are at their
best in spring, full of bluebells, campions 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.
The wildlife garden is an inspiration, with excellent
examples of how you can make your garden a better home
for wildlife.
Other points of interest
The valley
was once the site of milling, quarrying and a coal
dramway.
Further information
The eighteenth century mill, which houses an exhibition,
is temporarily closed (open on days of school visits
and events - for details please ring 0117 932 6885).
The exhibition and toilets are normally open from
April to September. Willsbridge Mill and Valley are
leased from South Gloucestershire Council.
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