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:
13. Orchard
The main area of the orchard dates back to before World War I and once covered 3.5 acres. Over 30 veteran trees have been identified in the orchard, each at least to be over 100 years old. In recent years, DNA testing has identified many rare and old apple and pear varieties still growing in the valley, including the Magpies Joy and Fairy Lights. | Adriana Amor
14. Picturesque bridges
A few wooden bridges can be found in Magpie Bottom, overlooking Stradbrook. They blend in beautifully with the autumn views of the nature reserve. | Adriana Amor
15. Pond
Visitors can follow the main path to reach the pond which is home to the resident ducks and the occasional heron or kingfisher. Dogs need to be kept on a lead around the pond area. | Adriana Amor
16. River
Stradbrook flows throughout the valley, and under the Bristol to Bath main road at Hanham, through Conham Vale, to the River Avon. | Adriana Amor