Drive past it and you wouldn’t know it‘s even there. Willsbridge Mill is an enchanting oasis of wildlife hidden within a valley surrounded by modern development - and it is well worth a visit for all the family.
Located off a dip in the A431 between Longwell Green and Bitton, the woodland can be accessed via a small track (although motorists are urged to park on a layby on the main road).
Heading down the track you approach a large court yard area dominated by the large stone Willsbridge Mill, which was constructed back in 1712 and later used to ground flour.
Almost opposite it is the popular Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh cafe, run by a not-for-profit voluntary group. But the best part is what’s surrounding these old buildings.
On the right-hand side is a fairy woodland created in 2020. There is also a wildlife garden and small pond which is open all year round. Then, behind the mill, is the mill pond and access to Siston Brook.
And to help people explore the mill and its grounds, as well as the surrounding valley, is a QR trail which can be followed on a mobile phone. Here’s 11 photos from our visit today (June 20).
1. Entrance to the Fairy Woodland
A wooden gated entrance takes you inside the woodland where a trail takes you around several features including a grotto, fairy huts and wooden mushrooms.
2. Fairy scene
Here is one of the features showing a scene with three fairies on top of a wooden mushroom. The woodland was created in 2020.
3. Fairy Grotto
The main feature of the fairy woodland is this incredible grotto within a small gated cave with hundreds of figures inside. Around it are sculptures with everything from owls to foxes to plastic ducks!
4. Willsbridge Mill
The old mill is still standing and there are plans for a museum on the ground floor in the near future. The mill was built in 1712 and was used from 1840 to ground flour. It obtained its power from Siston Brook which runs next to the old building.