Accessible path network extended in local woods

Map showing network of paths.
Map showing network of improved paths. Key: The yellow paths are the paths most recently surfaced. The red paths show the extent of surfaced paths in the woodland.

The results of a project to improve access to the popular Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve in Bradley Stoke have been unveiled.

The project builds on the success of a scheme last year to install 500m of woodland paths which received a £25,000 grant from Enovert Community Trust. The Trust has once again stepped in to provide a further grant of £25,000 to fund the installation of an additional 300m of accessible woodland paths. Several footbridges have also been replaced to accommodate mobility vehicles.

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South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade, said:

“We are delighted to have worked alongside Enovert Community Trust once again to extend the network of footpaths at Three Brooks Nature Reserve so more people can enjoy the beautiful surroundings all year round. During the winter, wet weather sometimes caused the previously unsurfaced paths to become muddy and impassable and meant access was limited during some of wettest months.”

“This project to extend the footpath network will greatly improve accessibility for visitors, while helping to protect the flora and tree roots from trampling. We hope the upgraded paths will enable people to use the reserve throughout the year.”

Composite photo showing before and after views of a path.
Improved path network in the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve (left: before; right: after).

The project was initially proposed by the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group to make the reserve more accessible for visitors whilst protecting the woodland and wildlife.

Three Brooks is a popular nature reserve covering 60 hectares of tranquil woodland and meadows and lies at the heart of the town of Bradley Stoke. Some of the woodland dates back over 400 years, with a rich mix of habitats that provide valuable food and shelter to a wide range of wildlife, including great crested newts and slow worms.

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Angela Haymonds, trust secretary at Enovert Community Trust, said:

“Three Brooks Nature Reserve provides the community of Bradley Stoke with vital access to the natural environment. As a popular public open space, accessibility is key to ensuring year-round access for local residents. The trustees are delighted to provide this second grant towards the footpath improvement project, which will encourage greater use of the reserve.”

Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve is situated in Bradley Stoke, not far from Enovert’s Shortwood Landfill Site in South Gloucestershire. For more information on Enovert Community Trust, please contact Angela Haymonds on 01753 582513 or ahaymonds@enovertct.org, or visit www.enovertct.org

• More information about the nature reserve can be found on a dedicated page of the South Gloucestershire Council website at http://bit.ly/sgc-tblnr

View a higher-resolution version of the above map (Dropbox)

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Accessing the improved paths

  • Entrance to woods just north of the skate park
  • Entrance to woods near toucan crossing on Bradley Stoke Way
  • Entrance to woods west of stone bridge near Ormonds Close
  • From the metal ‘tank’ bridge near Ellicks Close
  • Gated entrance behind the leisure centre (RADAR key required)

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2021 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on pages 14 & 15). The magazine is delivered FREE, nine times a year, to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.

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