Ravensroost Wood

The remnants of what was once the Royal Hunting Forest of Braydon can be seen dotting the landscape north of Purton between Brinkworth and Cricklade. Over the years various parts of the forest has changed hands between the Aristocracy, and other sections sold off, leaving a patchwork of woodland and meadow. Much of the forest is now owned by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and is managed in the traditional way to help preserve the diversity of wildlife.

During Spring and Summer butterflies such as Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak can be encountered, along with the more common species such as Peacock, Comma and Meadow Brown. Careful searching may also produce a Marsh Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper or Brown Hairstreak. Wild flowers and plants are many and various and include: Green-winged, Early Purple, Heath Spotted and Greater Butterfly Orchids; Adder's Tongue Fern, Spiny Restharrow, Devil's-bit Scabious, Wood Sorrel, Violet and Primrose.

With the capacity to hold more than 100,000 cubic metres of water Braydon Pond reservoir is the largest body of water for many miles. Wildfowl such as Mallard, with Teal and Pochard in Winter, are usually in residence, along with Cormorants and Canada Geese. Grey Herons, which nest around the lake, are often seen patrolling the periphery for their next meal. Swallows and martins can also be seen, and often in some numbers. Although access is limited the lake can be viewed from the bridge which traverses the northern edge.

A walk around any of the woodland areas should produce a good number of birds. Coal and Marsh Tit can be found in reasonable numbers, along with Nuthatch, Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and various other common species. Woodcock may be flushed from some of the boggier areas and a sighting of the elusive Lesser-spotted Woodpecker up in the canopy is a possibility too. Spotted Flycatchers have also been seen in the area. Dragonflies and damselflies such as Southern Hawker, Common Darter, Azure, Blue-tailed and Large Red can be found around the various ponds, and also in parts of the woodland.

There are many areas worth visiting: Red Lodge Pond, Ravensroost Wood, Somerford Common and Braydon Pond are good starting points, with only a few minutes drive time between them. All the locations have enough space to park several cars, although there is only room for one or two cars at the entrance to The Firs and Red Lodge Pond. You could, alternatively, spend a day exploring the whole area on foot or by bicycle.