Located in south-east Bristol, Stockwood Open Space Nature Reserve is a reserve with meadows, hedgerows, ponds and ancient woodland which was once part of a working farm.
After the expansion of south-east Bristol and the construction of the housing estates at Stockwood, the farm fell into disuse and was bought by the council, which turned it into a public open space.
Avon Wildlife Trust took over management in 1981 and it is now jointly managed by the council and the Trust and is taken care of by Friends of Stockwood Open Spaces.
Here are 15 photos from our visit to Stockwood Open Space Nature Reserve:
1. Forest trails
Visitors can enjoy forest trails through the woodland path at Stockwood Open Space Nature Reserve. Be warned, however, that the paths are made of dirt and can become slippery and muddy during and after rainy days.
2. Orchard
The large orchard is normally brimming with apples in the autumn according to the Avon Wildlife Trust.
3. Accessible paths
There is a tarmac track cutting through most of the site, including the orchard and Cowslip Meadow, making most of the nature reserve accessible for wheelchairs.
4. Entrance by The Coots
If travelling from the centre, the 2 and 2a buses leave visitors only a couple of minutes’ walk from the entrance by The Coots.