Natural England - Leigh Woods NNR

Leigh Woods NNR

The site comprises two main habitats: Woodland and Gorge Side.

Leighwoods NNR

County: Avon

Main habitats: Woodland

Area: 64 ha

Site map: Nature on the Mapexternal link.

Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

Leigh Woods NNR is managed by the National Trustexternal link and the Forestry Commission.

Woodland: this area is predominately mixed broad-leaved woodland. Historically the woods were coppiced and there are over 250 veteran pollarded oaks on the site. Rare tree species include the Bristol Whitebeam and Wilmotts Whitebeam. Over 300 species of fungi have been recorded in the surrounding area, and many of these are found in the NNR itself. The wood also supports an important population of invertebrates (including the rare pauper bug) and a variety of woodland birds including the song thrush, bullfinch and wood warbler.

Gorge Side: this is an area of dry limestone grassland that supports a wide variety of plant species including Bristol rock-cress, western spiked speedwell, hutchinsia, spring cinquefoil and compact brome. Cliff faces in the gorge are a nesting site for ravens and peregrines.

Location and access

The NNR is on the western side of the Avon Gorge, opposite the Bristol suburb of Clifton. Road access is via the A369 and there is a Forestry Commission car park and picnic area on-site.

There is a mainline train station in Bristolexternal link and bus services along the A369. For more details see Transport Directexternal link.

Facilities

The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local hostelries.

There are a number of footpaths that pass near, or through, the NNR including the River Avon Trailexternal link suitable for walkers and cyclists, and an easy-access Purple Trail suitable for wheelchair users.

The National Trust has also published trail guides and activity sheets for families and school groups. For details of these guides contact the local National Trust office by telephoning 0177 9731645 or emailing leighwoods@nationaltrust.org.uk.