Wick Golden Valley

A paradise right on our doorstep

"A paradise on our doorstep". That's how one local resident from Wick described the former ochre works site between Bristol and Bath. The site is now managed as a Local Nature Reserve after the local community worked in partnership with the council and the landowners, Cemex, to formally declare the site in 2005.  Since then work has been carried out to ensure the site is well managed - both for people and wildlife.  In 2008 South Gloucestershire Council was awarded the prestigous Green Flag from the Civic Trust in recognition of our achievements on site and in the community.   

The reserve contains a variety of habitats along the slopes and bottom of the valley, including a river corridor, woodland and grassland. These habitats have been heavily influenced by the quarrying and production of refined ochre that took place in the 20th century (closing down in 1968).

The River Boyd runs through the site. A long stretch of the river corridor contained within the boundaries of the site has been straightened. There are some large old trees, including species that indicate ancient woodland. Other areas of woodland are dominated by sycamore.

There are pockets of grassland, with one large area at the highest point (known as Raven's Rock).
At the bottom of the valley are the remains of buildings used to manufacture ochre. Scrub has developed to form a mosaic of grassland and trees such as birch and willow. 

Access for all

The lower part of the reserve is fully accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Parking is available at the nearby Carpenters Arms, where two parking bays have been reserved. The 250m walk from the pub along tarmac paths and up a private lane takes you to the main entrance to the reserve. From here take the tarmac road up to the bridge and follow the red ochre trail, a circular walk about a mile long.

A rich heritage

The site has a long history of heavy industrial workings on the site. There was a iron-founding industry at Wick from the mid-eighteenth century based on the water power provided by the River Boyd. In 1761 it was reported that there was an iron works and paper mill within the valley. The 1882 Ordnance Survey map shows a rolling mill and dam across the river and soon after records show that the internationally-renowned ochre processing works were in operation in 1895. The works remained on the site up until 1968 when it was closed down. Two years later the buildings were demolished and the site was cleared and left for nature to reclaim. 

Become a friend

The reserve is cared for by local people who have recently set up a friends group to assist the council in managing 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.

Join in the fun

A programme of events and activities on this Local Nature Reserve is listed in the council's 'What's On' webpage - see the link on the right-hand side. 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' category. The events are also listed on the reserve website (see 'Other websites').

Audio guide

An audio guide relating to Wick Golden Valley, its history and the bats you'll likely find there is available from local libraries. The guide is one of three specially created to assist people - including those who are visually impaired, to visit the site at dusk and discover the magic of bat detecting. Further information is available from the 'Bat Audio Trail' webpage.

Whilst you're there look out for 

• The signal crayfish in the river Boyd
• The peregrine falcon nesting in Wick Quarry
• The 'wild service' trees above the ochre bins
• The daubenton bats skimming around the slow-moving waters of the Boyd
• The earth star fungi in the woods
• The red ochre remains in the soil around the reserve

Getting there

By foot: There are a number of public rights of way that link up to the reserve.

By bicycle: The reserve is accessible by bicycle from the A420 with two cycle 'rock locks' near the entrance of the site.  

Bus: Bus services are available along the A420 with stops close to the reserve entrance, near the Carpenters Arms. 

Car: Permission has been given to use the Wick Village Hall car park, which is signposted off the A420 near the Rose and Crown pub. Blue badge holders can use two accessible parking bays at the Carpenters Arms.

Additional information