Located in East Bristol, Bickley Wood is part of the Avon River Trail that runs from Pill to Pulteney Bridge in Bath and is one of three woodlands that make up the Avon Valley Wood Nature Reserve.
Bickley Wood has the most extensive exposure of rocks in the area dating back to the Carboniferous period.
The smooth rock formations around the woodland are a reminder of its industrial past when the valley was quarried for over 200 years especially Pennant Sandstone, a rock that splits easily into thin slabs and was used for building kerbs, paving and walling.
The stone was then loaded onto river barges just below the weir and transported locally to Bristol and Bath as well as further afield until 1926, when the last quarry closed.
The woodlands and the nearby River Avon provide a wide range of habitats for wildlife which attract a variety of wildlife including herons, kingfishers and otters along the river and woodpeckers, great tits and, sometimes buzzards, in the woodland.
The nature reserve is owned by the South Gloucestershire Council and cared for by the Friends of Avon Valley Woodlands.
Here are 25 photos from our visit to Bickley Wood and surrounding area:
1. Mini waterfalls
The surface of the stream is uneven, forming beautiful small cascades.
2. Natural waterfall
Small natural waterfalls are caused after rainy days on the stunning cliff faces.
3. Old Lock & Weir
Old Lock & Weir is one of the pubs visitors can access by following the path from Bickley Wood to Hanham Mills, passing next to the River Avon. The pub is open Monday to Sunday from 11.30am to 11pm
4. 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.