Wildlife

Ridge Wood is a relatively small woodland site of 4.8 hectares (11.9 acres). It has a wide range of tree and shrub species with many mature trees and contains remnants of Ancient Woodland as indicated on old maps and by areas of rich ground flora with a number of ancient woodland indicator plants.

The wood is characterised by the planting of parkland trees in the central and northern sections which was carried out in Victorian times. Non-native and non-local species were introduced to create a parkland effect within the grounds of The Ridge House. The southern section of the wood is a reminder of quarrying activities with steep and uneven slopes of spoil/overburden which have been colonised by a variety of species of trees, shrubs and plants. Small clearings on a plateau at the southern end contain remnant patches of unimproved grassland, wildflowers and scrub.

Ridge Wood is an important site in nature conservation terms because of the presence of a rich diversity of species, some of them uncommon. It has been agreed between Hanson Aggregates and South Gloucestershire Council to prepare and implement an on-going community-led, five year management plan for the wood. The site has also been identified as a Community Forest Gateway Site.

Avon Wildlife Trust produced a 5-year management plan for Ridge Wood, which commenced in October 2005. The plan includes policies and proposals for the on-going management of the woodland, flora and fauna, access and interpretation. You are welcome to contribute to this process through the Friends of Ridge Wood.

See Management Plan for more details