Located in Wick, the 8.39-hectare Golden Valley Nature Reserve is a hidden gem with stunning views, mature woodland and an industrial past.
English oak, beech, ash, whitebeam, lime and the rare wild service tree can be found in the reserve and are all that remains of the far more ancient Kingswood royal hunting forest.
During the mid-eighteenth century, there was an iron-founding industry based on the water power provided by the River Boyd, and there was an ironworks and paper mill within the valley in 1761.
By 1882, a rolling mill and dam were installed across the river, according to the 1882 Ordnance Survey map. Soon after, from 1895 to 1968, ochre (a mixture of fine clay and iron oxide) processing works started in the valley
The buildings were demolished two years later, and the site was cleared and left for nature to reclaim, becoming a wildlife haven. The site was acquired by RMC Materials (now CEMEX) in 1970, who fenced off the area.
The fences fell into disrepair over the years and local people began to use the site for recreation purposes. However, the future of the site became unsure as the site maintenance, accessibility, and health and safety diminished with the growth of scrub on the important grassland areas.
South Gloucester Council intervened in 2001 and funded the clearance of scrub from the grassland at Raven's Rock. A fully-featured Management Plan for the site was created and an access agreement was signed between CEMEX and South Gloucestershire Council, giving people formal access to the former Ochre Works.
The Friends of Wick Golden Valley help with the maintenance of the nature reserve and organise a range of events to help raise awareness of the nature reserve.
Parking is very limited near the nature reserve and the 35 and 620 buses stop next to the main entrance by High Street.
Here are 29 photos from our visit to Wick Golden Valley Nature Reserve:
1. Entrance
The main entrance to the nature reserve is accessible and leads to a tarmac path. If travelling from the city centre by bus, visitors will need to catch two buses: the 42 or 43 Citylines East followed by the 35 which stops about a three-minute walk away from the nature reserve. Alternatively, visitors can catch the Y1 or Y2 South Glos Lynx followed by the 620.
2. Bike Racks
Bike racks are available next to the main entrance to the reserve.
3. Map
We came across an information board near the entrance with a map and information on the landmarks of the valley, including information on the fauna and flora visitors may encounter.
4. Paths
The path is accessible from the entrance and the Red Ochre Trail, which passes by the weir. Unfortunately, to enjoy the stunning views of the Wick Quarry and the Cotswold Hills, visitors will need to walk through very steep and rocky paths on the Raven's Rock Trail.