We're delighted to announce that Lower Woods has been chosen as part of a nationwide network of 70 Ancient Woodlands (or Trees) to be dedicated to The Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.

The Queen’s Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The initiative was launched by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedications - the old Sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland.

“Lower Woods really is a woodland jewel and a special place that has been at the heart of local communities for centuries. This opportunity to shine a spotlight on such a precious, ancient landscape raises awareness of the urgent need to care for wild places now, both for wildlife and for future generations.” says Roger Mortlock, GWT's CEO.

At almost 300 hectares, Lower Woods is one of the largest ancient woodlands in the south-west, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's famous for its butterflies with 32 reported species being found here. Areas of grazed common land and wide grassy pathways known as ‘trenches’ separate 23 individual traditionally coppiced woodlands, the boundaries of which have remained unchanged for centuries.

There are small wildflower-rich meadows and open banks, with the Little Avon River flowing through the reserve and into the River Severn. The rich woodland flowers and plants here include carpets of bluebells in spring, early purple orchids and herb-Paris. In the summer, visitors will spot old meadow species including ragged-robin, common-spotted orchids, betony and devil’s-bit scabious.

Edward Gillespie, Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire, said “We are thrilled that Lower Woods has been chosen as one of the seventy Ancient Woodlands dedicated to The Queen’s Green Canopy. In this 70th Platinum Jubilee Year for Her Majesty the Queen, we are proud that one of our beautiful and precious woodlands has received this special honour. This will be a lasting legacy and recognises the special significance that our woodlands have to the people of Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire. We hope many more people and future generations will be able to visit Lower Woods.”

Established over hundreds of years, the chosen woodlands and trees represent the diverse canopy of the four nations, it is a celebration of our living heritage. All the woodlands and trees have a story to tell, and some, like Lower Woods, are famous specimens and others have a local significance.

These ancient, natural spaces hold significance and meaning for so many people in many different ways. They are symbols of community pride, places to connect socially and vital spaces for health and wellbeing activities.

Leader of South Gloucestershire Council with Cabinet Responsibility for Climate Change Cllr Toby Savage said: "I am delighted to hear the excellent news that Lower Woods in Wickwar has been dedicated to the Queen to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. One of the largest ancient woodlands in the south west, Lower Woods is a very important and highly valued space in South Gloucestershire that has been visited and loved by local people for centuries.

"This special honour recognises the significance of our trees and woodlands, which as well as being treasured parts of our communities, also help improve air quality, protect land from flooding, and store carbon - vital elements to help address the effects of climate change."

By sharing the stories behind the Ancient Woodlands and Trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.