Warmley Forest Park

A new woodland for people and wildlife

The oaks and other trees planted by local people and the Forest of Avon in the 1980s are beginning to create a new woodland for the local community of Warmley and Siston to enjoy. The growing native trees will provide a valuable space for people to explore and provide food and shelter for wildlife.

The woodland though is just one area of the forest park to explore. Other areas include rough grassland, a brookside walk, small ponds and a skateboard park. The historic Dramway passes through the site and Siston Common borders the site allowing access to the wider countryside.

Access for all

Parts of the forest are accessible by wheelchair users and pushchairs although it is hoped further improvements to path surfacing will be carried out to improve people's experiences of the site.  Parking and toilets are available on the High Street (70 metres away).

A rich heritage

The forest park has been created on the former site of Warmley Clay Works. This busy little factory produced clay pipes from the thick clay soils close to the factory. A coal mine, linked to the Bristol and Somerset Coalfields operated opposite the clay works so you can imagine the noise and dust that was generated in the area. Elsewhere the main employer was farming, which is evident with the number of commons surrounding the forest park. 

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 work days 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 on 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' category. The events are also listed on the reserve website (see other websites).

Audio guide

An audio guide relating to Warmley Forest Park, its history and the bats you're likely to 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 coots and moorhens on the lake
• The view from the top of the hill where you can see the Cotswold escarpment
• The sticklebacks in Siston Brook
• The yellow flag iris in the small ponds
• The sparrowhawk flying fast through the hedgerows

A Wild Roots site

The reserve receives support from the Heritage Lottery Funded project, Wild Roots. This is a community-based project that enables local people to identify, care for and celebrate important heritage sites within South Gloucestershire and the important historical routes that link them. The Wild Roots officer is working with the Warmley community to develop a number of innovative heritage-focused projects. If you would like to get involved please contact us.

Getting there

On foot: There are a number of public rights of way that link up to the forest park.

By bicycle: The reserve is accessible by bicycle from the A420 and the popular Bristol and Bath Cycle Path.

Bus: Bus services are available along the A420 with stops close to the Forest Park on the High Street. Call Traveline for further details 0870 608 2608. 

Car: There is a public car park situated off the High Street in Warmley. Blue badge holders can use a number of accessible parking bays. Public toilets are located here.

Additional information