Widbrook Wood

"The woodland is host to a number of bird species. Near the water, look out for kingfisher and little grebe."

wildlife WIDBROOK WOOD

Next in our series of features on Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's 38 reserves is WIDBROOK WOOD and it sits between Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon...

Widbrook Wood down the Bristol Avon

Widbrook Wood is one of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's newest nature reserves, being gifted to the charity by the Alex Moulton Charitable Trust in 2016.

The reserve is a 16-hectare, seminatural woodland. It is bordered on the south by the Kennet & Avon Canal and to the north by the River Avon. The River Biss flows through the south-eastern section of the wood and the Widbrook, from which the reserve takes its name, flows through the west.

Widbrook Wood forms part of a large woodland complex on the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal and includes a mixture of ash, cherry, poplar, willow, and oak trees.

The woodland is host to a number of bird species. Near the water, look out for kingfisher and little grebe. Along the path edge, the scrubby

A peacock butterfly

woodland is habitat for migrating warblers such as whitethroat, blackcap, and chiffchaff. During May, the woodland comes to life with an abundance of wildflowers.

The edges of the woodland and the riverbanks are very open and different butterfly species can be found, including peacock, comma, and speckled wood. Damselflies such as the banded demoiselle are also present on the riverbank.

Trowbridge, BA14 9BL OS Map 15; Grid ref. ST848596 Main access is from several points along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal. There is no car parking on this site and it can get boggy after wet weather, making it more difficult for pushchairs and wheelchair users.

• Dogs on leads are welcome • 16 hectares

DIRECTIONS

If driving - From Trowbridge, head to the Canal Road Industrial Estate. The nearest car park is by Airsprung Beds. From here you can walk along the canal towpath to the reserve.

If using bus – From Trowbridge, catch the 265 bus to Bath and alight at Trowbridge Road. Widbrook Wood is about 10 minutes’ walk from the bus stop.

If cycling – Travel from either Trowbridge or Bradford on Avon along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal.