Located in Sneyd Park, near Stoke Bishop in north west Bristol, the 16-acre area of land that forms Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve was once part of a deer park dating back to 1274.
The land was given to the Bishops of Worcester by William the Conqueror until the dissolution of the monasteries between 1534 and 1539 when Henry VIII gave the estate to major landowner Ralph Sadlier.
It was transferred to Bristol City Council in 1984, and following concerns about the overgrown and unkept valley in 1994, and several meetings with Bristol City Council, residents and Avon Wildlife Trust, The Friends of Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve (FOSPNR) was formed in 1995.FOSPNR have since been carrying out conservation work to support the wildlife haven with organised talks, guided walks and activities for children.
Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve is open to the public all the time and includes multiple meadows, woodland and a lake full of ducks. An accessible gravel path can be found throughout the main paths.
There are also many sculptures including the wicker whale sculptures, moved to an adjourning field in 2016. Also, watch out for artwork showing Bumpsy, plus a wall of Mr Men!Here are 13 photos from our trip to Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve and the nearby areas:
1. Entrance
A sign by the entrance to the nature park encourages visitors to keep to the main paths to protect the wildflowers.
2. Information board
An information board near the entrance includes a map of the park and information about the wildlife that can be found.
3. Accessible Paths
The park has accessible gravel paths which are surrounded by greenery.
4. Birds
The nature park is home to many species of birds including great spotted woodpeckers, kestrels and magpies, like the one we came across.