Tucked away between St George and Hanham, Magpie Bottom Nature Reserve historically marked the boundary between Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Flowing through the valley is Stradbrook, which flows under the Bristol to Bath main road at Hanham, through Conham Vale to the River Avon.
The valley used to be home to several small coal mines. After the mines closed, market gardens, nurseries, orchards and glasshouses were built in the valley.
Small-scale market gardening proved to be uneconomical in the mid-1960s, so many of the small nurseries were used to build the housing that is here today.
In 1985, Kingswood Borough Council bought 15 acres of the land to develop the valley as an open space for local people to enjoy.
Around this time, several old cottages, especially around Magpie Bottom Lane and the glass houses, were demolished, and since then nature has slowly reclaimed the ruins.
Magpie Bottom Nature Reserve is owned by South Gloucestershire Council and is managed in partnership with the Friends of Magpie Bottom, a group of local volunteers who help to actively preserve, maintain and enhance the site for the benefit of wildlife and visitors.
Here are 20 photos from our visit to Magpie Bottom Nature Reserve:
9. Mini waterfalls
A range of mini cascades are scattered throughout the path of Stradbrook. They make for beautiful photos, particularly, when they are surrounded by the autumn palette of fallen leaves. | Adriana Amor
10. Map
We came across this information board near the entrance by Bryants Hill. It includes a map of the nature reserve and information about its history, wildlife and the orchard | Adriana Amor
11. Open fields
Visitors can enjoy a selection of open fields which are perfect for a picnic on a sunny day or to walk the dog. There are a few benches in proximity which are perfect for people to take a rest. | Adriana Amor
12. Orchard information board
The information board located in the orchard includes a map of the area from 1955 as well as some stories about individuals who worked in the orchard. | Adriana Amor