Explore woodlands, meadows and ponds teeming with wildlife including red kites, dragonflies and four bat species at this award-winning local nature reserve.

Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife located just south of Yate, near Bristol. This 30-year-old reserve features diverse habitats including ancient woodlands, Lower and Upper Meadows, ponds and ferns, and an orchard for the future. Visitors of all ages can explore secret places like the Lower Pond hidden in a copse and discover the Dragon Tree on the Lower Path in the Ancient Woodland. The reserve has earned impressive recognition, winning South West in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards at Level 5 Outstanding and retaining its Green Flag Community Award in 2025. Recent wildlife surveys have recorded an exciting range of species including red kites, emperor dragonflies, purple hairstreak butterflies, and four bat species (Common and Soprano Pipistrelle, Noctule, and Serotine bats). Managed in partnership by Dodington Parish Council and Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, the reserve welcomes families and offers a peaceful natural environment for exploration and wildlife spotting. The Conservation Group holds regular free work mornings and volunteer activities, providing opportunities for visitors to get involved in conservation efforts. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, making it an ideal destination for family nature outings.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

P

Pete goodfield

4 months ago

Nice walking area

B

Ben Brinkworth

5 months ago

Calm and easy green bathing on the doorstep!! The addition of a mobility inclusive picnic bench is really great

K

Kim Leonard

6 months ago

Nice open space to wander round, has Meadows and a pond, lots of paths through the woods, picnic tables and a lovely peaceful feel to the nature reserve

A

Alnora Rose Pottrell (DaffCookie)

3 years ago

Lobely walks with woods and open fields. Logs and benches to rest on too. Makes a nice change to our local field.

R

Rebekah Harris

7 years ago

A lovely dog walk and the perfect location for a picnic on a a sunny day. In the sunshine it is gorgeous and a lovely open area with a few wooded areas too. Lots of beautiful flowers, and a few bug houses dotted around which are nice for kids to have a look at. Overall a lovely little area just south of Yate.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026