About the reserve

Sapperton Valley is considered to be an important wetland area, extending 0.7 miles along the valley floor and bordering Siccaridge Wood to the north.

The River Frome, a section of the derelict Thames and Severn Canal and flood meadows lie to the south of the woods and has now become part of a wilder landscape. The canal has been disused since the early 1900s, and it’s this mostly undisturbed and moist environment that supports a wide range of mammals, birds, and amphibians.

Whitehall Bridge is a brick bridge that arches over the canal and was built in 1784. Near the footbridge, two trails head north, with steep slopes that lead into Siccaridge Wood.

A huge variety of tree species from silver birch and hazel to pedunculated and field maple offer refuge to birds, insects and mammals alike. Otters visit the watercourses of the valley while kingfisher dive into the waters, and uncommon molluscs like the uncommon land winkle and Rolph’s door snail thrive in the leaf litter and on the tree trunks. While the woodlands are carpeted in woodland flowers from spring onwards, the flood meadows bloom with meadowsweet and yellow waterlilies in summer and marsh-marigold in the spring.

History

The Thames and Severn Canal, part of which runs along the southern edge of Siccaridge Wood, was completed in 1789. Conceived as part of a route between Bristol and London, it’s famous for the Sapperton Tunnel, once the longest canal tunnel in Britain. The canal remained in use until the early 1900s, since when it’s gradually been reclaimed by wildlife.

Historical records of Siccaridge Wood date back to 1576, at which time it was known as ‘Sickeridge Coppice’ and belonged to the Lord of the Manor of Bisley. It was acquired by the Bathurst Estate in 1861 and adopted by GWT in 1966. Sapperton Valley has been leased by the Trust since 1968.