Highnam Woods

Highnam Woods is part of a swathe of atmospheric ancient woodland that sweeps across the Severn Vale. It's an ideal spot for those after wanders through Bluebell woods and woodland walks in Gloucestershire. In spring, Nightingales return to breed amongst the Cuckoo Flowers, Wood Anemones and Bluebells. In winter, watch resident woodland birds on the feeders at the hide, or search for the elusive Hawfinch or Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

We carefully manage Highnam Woods nature reserve for the benefit of wildlife. This involves improving the ancient woodland, removing non-native trees and leaving native trees and plant life to develop naturally. We aim to create a mix of trees of different ages, as well as open spaces where sunlight can shine in and other key habitat features like dead wood.

The reserve is home to the Tintern Spurge, a rare plant – we help our population thrive by deliberately disturbing areas of ground. We also carry out yearly surveys for breeding birds, butterflies, Tintern Spurge and to monitor deer impact at the reserve.