Forest bathing at Weston Big Wood

Weston Big Wood is one of the largest ancient woodlands in the former county of Avon, on the hillside above Weston-in-Gordano near Portishead. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has been an Avon Wildlife Trust reserve since 2000. English oak, small-leaved lime and wild cherry grow here, and the wood is home to woodpeckers, nuthatches, tawny owls, bats and badgers.

Access is via a kissing gate and steps on Valley Road, where there are a few parking spaces; take care crossing, as traffic is fast around the bend. A circular waymarked route with carved waymarks and information boards leads through the wood. The main climb in is uphill, and paths are steep and muddy in places with some steps, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Keep away from the old quarry edges. In spring look for wood anemones, violets and bluebells; autumn brings fungi. Dogs must be on a lead.