Callington Road Nature Reserve

Introduction and access

Introduction

Callington Road Nature Reserve is a new nature reserve established by Bristol Parks in south Bristol in 2003. A wildlife oasis of 6.5 hectares surrounded by urban development, it supports a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats including wildflower meadows, a variety of scrub types, regenerating woodland and a new sustainable dewpond replenished by rainwater.

A Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI), the reserve is separated into two distinct areas by an old green lane and public right of way crossing its centre. The 'Field' area lying alongside Callington Road is a legally registered Town Green. The 'Upper slopes' a more remote and quieter refuge for wildlife on steeper ground behind the new Callington Road Hospital, provides sweeping views of Bristol and countryside to the south. Visitors are often surprised by the size of the reserve which stretches as far as Talbot Road, although no access is available at this end.

Download the nature reserve site map and habitat management plan.

Getting there

The nature reserve is located in south Bristol on the boundary between Knowle and Brislington West. Main access is from Callington Road, close to where it joins the A37 Wells Road. Access is also available from Imperial Walk on the north west side of the reserve via the public right of way crossing the site.

Plan your journey to Callington Road Nature Reserve with regional map, journey planner and city map.

Accessibility

Callington Road Nature Reserve is open to the public at all times. Main access from  Callington Road is via kissing gates suitable for wheelchairs. Access from Imperial Walk is via a steep set of steps. A simple path system provides access into the 'Field' and to the dewpond. A further loop provides limited access into the more remote 'Upper Slopes'.

Management

Bristol Parks manages the site in partnership with the Friends of Callington Road Nature Reserve Group. Meadows are hay cut once a year during August with the hay removed to encourage the growth of wildflowers. Scrub thickets will be cut in rotation from time to time to maintain their structural diversity for breeding song birds. New hazel planting once mature will be managed by coppicing.

Contact us

You can call Bristol Parks on 0117 922 3719 or email: bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk  Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm (4.30pm Friday). Alternatively you can text us on 0771 039 6713 to report flytipping, graffiti, or make any other comments about Bristol's parks and green spaces. Please provide as much information and specific details as possible about the location attaching any supporting photographs. We will only call you back if we require further information.

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