Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, near Yate and Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire.


The Nature Reserve is run by the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, a small group of volunteers.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Very productive work morning at Wapley on Sunday 17 Feb


We had an excellent tree planting session at Wapley on Sunday. Fifteen volunteers planted 33 trees and did a litter-pick as well. We were pleased to welcome four new volunteers including a family group.

In the core of the Ancient Woodland we put in 24 trees, a mixture of English oak, black poplar, linden, black alder and rowan (mountain ash). All of these will grow into substantial trees to replace anticipated losses of the high canopy due to Ash Dieback Disease, which is now only a few miles away. By using a wide mix of native species we are future-proofing the woodland against as yet unknown diseases, while providing a good habitat replacement for birds, insects and lichen.

We also put in 9 smaller trees in a gap on the woodland edge nearest to the Common where a big tree fell a few months ago - wild cherry, goat willow, field maple and common hazel.

Our next work morning will be on Saturday 16 March. As well as another 30 plus significant trees we shall be putting in some plug plants of typical ancient woodland species such as yellow archangel on the woodland floor, and doing some litter picking as well.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Wapley Local Nature Reserve Workday - Sunday 17 February

We shall be doing a mixture of tree planting on the reserve using native British trees plus cutting back  excess vegetation. Please wear stout footwear and bring gloves.
Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am.