Reserve closed for ash dieback works.
Location
Know before you go
Dogs
See our FAQ's for more information
When to visit
Opening times
CURRENTLY CLOSED for reinstatement works following essential ash dieback felling.Best time to visit
Spring and summer. Nearby attractions include Lydiard Park and Mansion (4 miles), North Meadow National Nature Reserve (6 miles), Cotswold Water Park (6 miles).About the reserve
This reserve is currently CLOSED for reinstatement works following essential ash dieback felling. Please see the Ash Dieback Update section below for further details.
In this peaceful, secluded pocket of woodland in the heart of what was once the Royal Forest of Braydon you can enjoy a gentle half hour stroll along the circular woodland path and wander down the coppiced central ride (path) to the glade.
Wood anemones, primroses and bluebells herald the coming of spring while summer brings the pungent aroma of wild garlic, also known as ramsons. The bright crimson heads of ragged robin are speckled among them.
The Firs is situated on Oxford Clay and the ground is wet for much of the year Mosses and ferns thrive in these damp conditions. Dead wood is an important habitat in the reserve and birch stumps are especially important for mosses and bracket fungi. In autumn look for small puffball fungi on the ground. Insects and other invertebrates live on this dead wood, providing food for green and great spotted woodpeckers. Other birds you may see include tits and nuthatches. In the summer spot ringlet and meadow brown butterflies along the central ride.
A rare tree, the small-leaved lime, can be found on the southern boundary bank near the entrance and 200-year old oak pollards stand on the western hedgebank. The uncommon Midland hawthorn also grows in the wood. To create open spaces favoured by certain birds and insects we coppice some of the trees along the central ride in rotation. In the rest of the wood we occasionally thin canopy trees to allow oak and ash to grow as large standards.
Species
Habitat
Contact us
Environmental designation
Ash dieback update
The Firs is currently closed to the public. For the safety of visitors to The Firs, Trust staff and contractors, we needed to remove the ash trees from this woodland, affecting all areas.
Following felling and timber extraction, the majority of the work has been completed. We need to replace the boardwalk and carry out final safety checks, after which we will open this reserve.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience. If you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at reserves@wiltshirewildlife.org.
Visit our Ash Dieback page to learn more about our approach towards Ash Dieback, which is affecting our woodland reserves.
Map of The Firs
A beautiful area to go for a walk, varied trees and plants to look at.
Lovely circular walk to look at nature with small children. Wear your wellies!