Tucked away in the south Bristol suburb of Bishopsworth lies Manor Woods Valley, a nature reserve with wildflower meadows, woodland and plenty of wildlife, running alongside the Malago stream.
It's an area with a rich history. There were two manors in Bishopsworth according to the Domesday Book of 1086, one of which matches the description of Manor Woods.
Much of Manor Woods became part of Headley Farm in 1600, and the track which led to the farm still exists today.
Whilst Bedminster turned into a densely populated suburb throughout the Industrial Revolution, the land in Manor Woods Valley remained untouched by urban development.
In 1998, Manor Woods became part of the Bishopsworth and Malago Conservation Area which provides additional protection against unsuitable development.
Nowadays, Manor Woods Valley Local Nature Reserve is owned by Bristol City Council and is looked after by the Malago Valley Conservation Group.
A tarmac track runs throughout the length of the site making most of the nature reserve accessible for wheelchairs. Parking is available in surrounding streets.
Here are 18 photos from our visit to Manor Woods Valley:
1. Entrance by Vale Lane
If travelling from the centre, the 76 bus leaves visitors a five-minute walk from the entrance, the 75 an 11-minute walk away, the M1 Metrobus a 15-minute walk away and the 70 a 20-minute walk away. There is also another entrance from St Peter’s Rise, next to the library.
2. Accessible paths
There is a tarmac track running through the length of the site making most of the nature reserve accessible for wheelchairs.
3. Community board
We came across the community board at the entrance by St Peter's Rise.
4. Forest steps
Multiple wooden steps connect the woodland path to the trails by the river.