"Hedging our bets" - avoiding the rain at a Wapley Bushes work morning on 22 February 2026

 

 

 

Eight volunteers managed to find a gap in the rainy weather at Wapley Bushes to plant planting barrier
hedges to reduce the footfall in the more vulnerable areas of the Ancient Woodland. 

We planted a mix of native British tree and shrub species:
15 x Hazel - Corylus avellana
15 x Goat Willow - Salix caprea
15 x Hornbeam - Carpinus betulus
15 x Purging Buckthorn - Rhamnus cathartica
5 x Dog Rose - Rosa canina

Many thanks to everyone who took part. 

Fun fact – three new species spotted!

 We’ve just finalised the latest edition of our Five Year Management Plan. Since our last management plan was produced five years ago, three new species have been formally recorded on the reserve. - one bird and two insects: the red kite, the emperor dragonfly and the purple hairstreak butterfly.

Sunday 22 February – Wapley Bushes Nature Reserve work morning

On this work morning we will be planting barrier hedges composed of native British tree and shrub species to close off several of the informal pathways to protect sensitive areas of the woodland. We will also have litter picking equipment for helpers who would prefer rather lighter tasks.

Please wear walking or wellington boots. Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am.