square kilometre area woodland south west close opposite english city bristol north estate formed thought occupied century century possibly middle ages lies reserve edge bank reserve limestone worked 18th 19th centuries derelict woodland donated prevent development city gorge following building suburb areas owned taken rare trees include multiple species native imported species bristol unique gorge seen flowering april species western common june july national nature reserve included gorge site special scientific interest topography woods cover area square kilometres ridge mainly consists limestone sandstone runs miles away coast southern end woods named area dry valley cut gorge area slopes highest point nearly opposite north gate river western woods monarch way long distance history hill fort thought occupied century century middle ages situated north flank occupying acres thought occupied late pre roman iron age area controlled archaeological investigations suggest 1st century tribes present pottery showing influence break occupation reuse middle late 2nd century addition pottery recovered possible coin dating reign recovered iron type found unclear occupation 3rd century formal garrison place refuge times crisis connected series defensive linear earthworks consisting ditch embankment running somerset near wiltshire little evidence possible site occupied middle ages series limestone mineral overlooking disused late 19th early 20th centuries important quarry linked dock derelict area recent years restored northern end woods paradise included ground laid giant pine imported sir 1860s south woods affluent suburb bristol known situated western end opened making development residential area houses varying styles built world war mutilated body murdered woman found following year hanged crime january violent death occurred living woods found head injuries woodland donated tobacco company owner prevent housing development western gorge bristol grew size population areas owned taken railway runs close river woods opened april closed april great western railway built small station aim attracting tourists area valley halt successful use years july september line reopened freight traffic far december local councils proposing passenger service plans happen based jet squadron crashed pilot flying officer killed flew deck suspension bridge performing victory roll small mountain circuits present woods area popular walking area flora fauna rare flora fauna woods included gorge site special scientific interest received designation hectares acres designated national nature reserve south woods area pasture woodland old mainly oak small lime north area comprises ancient woodland old standards contains rich variety trees rare trees include bristol wild service tree multiple species woods native imported species making important sites britain tree birds live woods include raven falcon butterflies seen summer including white letter album steep grassy slopes bristol unique gorge seen flowering april western common june july autumn woodland hosts species fungi scarce plant bristol area found parasitic plant yellow bird nest lady discovered doubt wild plant introduction green found western gorge wooded area
Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve