About the reserve

Widbrook Wood is one of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's newest reserves, having it gifted by the Alex Moulton Charitable Trust in 2016. 

Widbrook Wood is a semi-natural woodland of 16 hectares. It is bordered on the south by the Kennet & Avon Canal and to the north of the River Avon. The River Biss flows through the south-eastern section of the wood and the Widbrook, from which it takes its name, flows through the west. 

Widbrook Wood forms part of a large woodland complex on the River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal and includes a mixture of ash, cherry, poplar, willow and oak trees.

Over 40,000 trees have been planted with planting completed in 2000.

The woodland is host to a number of bird species. Near the water look for kingfisher and little grebe. Along the path edge, the scrubby woodland is habitat for migrating warblers such as whitethroat, blackcap and chiffchaff. During May, the woodland comes to life with an abundance of wildflowers. 

The edges of the woodland and the river banks are very open and different butterfly species can be found including peacock, comma and speckled wood. Damselflies are also present on the riverbank including the banded demoiselle.