Three Brooks

A green space in the heart of the community

The Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve is a tranquil area in the middle of the bustling community of Bradley Stoke. The reserve is made up of three bluebell woodlands linked by an important wildlife corridor that includes brooks, ponds areas of rough grassland, species-rich hedgerows and a lake.

The rich mix of habitats provides a valuable place for wildlife, providing food and shelter to a wide range of wildlife, including reed buntings, skylarks, great crested newts and slow worms.  

Access for all

A well-signposted network of cycleways provides well-surfaced paths throughout the reserve for people to explore on foot or cycle the many different habitats. There are many access points into the reserve, but if you are visiting the reserve from afar it's best to park at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. There are regular buses to this venue. The main entrances into the reserve are highlighted in the site information leaflet, which is downloadable from this page (see 'Read more').

Something for everyone

Whether you're wanting to walk the dog, jog or run during lunchtime, cycle with the family or go birdwatching there's something for everyone to enjoy. The reserve is a popular breathing place, being so close to where people live and work. 

A hidden past

The town of Bradley Stoke celebrated its 20th anniversary as a new community in 2007 and as part of the celebrations a series of projects were run. One project, the 'Living Landmarks' project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund  identified areas of historical importance, like the Saxon hedgerows rich in species, old bluebell woodlands full of spring-flowering plants and birdsong and dewponds where cattle gathered to drink. 

Become a conservationist

The nature reserve is cared for by local residents who have set up a conservation group that meets on the first Saturday of each month to help the council manage the reserve. The group organises a range of events and practical workdays to help raise awareness of the nature reserve and to enhance its biodiversity. These range from bat walks to traditional woodland management like coppicing.

There is also the BTCV's (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) 'green gym', that meets every Thursday between 10am and 1pm. The gym is a great way to get to know your local environment and meet like-minded people who wish to do their bit for their community whilst getting fitter at the same time. 

Join in the fun

A programme of events and activities on this Local Nature Reserve is listed with the council's 'What's On' webpage (see link on right hand side of page). Search for events using the history/heritage category. The area is also visited on a number of 'Walking to Health' walks. These walks can be searched using the 'Active for life' section of this website.

Whilst you're there look out for

• The old oak trees in Webbs Wood with their gnarly limbs
• The flash of blue of a kingfisher darting up Stoke Brook towards the lake
• The pink scented flowers of the dog rose amongst the hedgerows
• The skylarks singing high above the tump
• A green woodpecker feeding for ants on the grassland
• The bright white flowers of wild garlic in springtime

Getting there

On foot or by bicycle: There are a number of coloured waymarked routes that link up to the reserve. Maps showing these routes are available from South Gloucestershire Council. 

Bus: Bus services are available throughout the town and many routes stop close to the main entrances. Contact Traveline for further information on bus services on 0870 608 2608. 

Car: There is no official car park for the reserve although Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre has parking facilities and is close to Savages Wood. The centre has toilet facilities and a café.

Other information