Discover the natural wonders of Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean through a plethora of conservation sites awaiting your exploration. From the serene tranquility of local arboretums, where every step is adorned with the vibrant hues of nature’s canvas, to the captivating landscapes of RSPB sanctuaries, where bird songs orchestrate the rhythm of the wilderness, and to the sprawling nature parks teeming with biodiversity, there’s an adventure for every nature enthusiast.
See below some of our favourite conservation sites and nature reserves in the Forest of Dean. Some images are for illustration purposes.
One of the remaining marshlands in the Forest of Dean, insects like dragonflies and damselflies thrive in these wet woodlands, attracting many birds including nuthatches, treecreepers, woodpeckers and reed buntings.
Wonder through the ancient woodlands and look out for an array of local wildlife including nightingales and woodpeckers. The reserve is home to the Tintern Spurge- a rare plant with a milky latex.
Westbury Court Garden is one of few surviving examples of a 17th-century Dutch water garden in the UK. Step back in time to a place of elegance and calm as you discover feature canals, rare trees, medlar orchards and vegetable plots.
Robinswood Hill has been the head office of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust since 1992. The site is managed by Gloucester City Council, who work closely in partnership with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. There is ample free parking for over 30 cars.
Walk through the 19th century oak woodland between May and June to see Pied Flycatchers flitting from branch to branch, or see Goshawks and Treecreepers during the winter.
At the heart of the Forest of Dean, this mature oak woodland throngs with birds all year round. See Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts in the spring, all three British woodpecker species in summer and Nuthatches in the autumn.
Surrounded by impressive Douglas fir trees, immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of Soudley Ponds. Soudley Ponds is a stunning haven for wildlife, and best visited in the autumn or spring.
At Rococco Garden, experience the great outdoors, with a cheeky peek into the flamboyant frivolity of the early 1700s, in the UK’s only complete surviving rococo garden.
Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and 5 national tree collections, Westonbirt is the perfect place for you to escape, relax or have an adventure!
We have 31 touring pitches with electrical pitches and all the facilities you need to make your stay comfortable including washing up facilities, showers and toilets.
For those looking for extra comfort we have glamping arks, cabins and orchard lodges with hot tubs.
