Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, near Yate and Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire.


The Nature Reserve is run by the Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, a small group of volunteers.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Wapley bridge official opening photo

A photo of the official opening of the new Sergeant's Farm Bridge today - Cllr Christine Howard, Chairman of Dodington Parish Council, assisted by yours truly. They loaned her a pair of gold-coloured scissors to cut the ribbon!


Wapley bridge replacement timelapse film

Courtesy of Network Rail. Very impressive!


This video shows the replacement of Sergeant's Farm Bridge,  which links Shire Way to Wapley Common and the Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Wapley Bridge - Network Rail opening event tomorrow (Tuesday 28 April)


With only a day's notice, Network Rail have said that they are having an official opening event at the bridge at 11.00 am tomorrow (Tuesday 28 April) to which local residents are invited.

Dodington Parish Council will organise a community celebration in a few weeks time - we'll let you know.


Sunday, April 26, 2015

Wapley footbridge is now open!


The new Sergeant's Farm Bridge opened yesterday evening, and people seem to like it. 


There's a motorbike barrier and a kissing gate, which can be opened fully to let wheelchairs through if you have a RADAR key.


The slope looks manageable for anyone pushing a wheelchair or a buggy.


The span of the temporary bridge across the railway was removed overnight.


Well done to Network Rail's contractors Murphy, and also to all involved from Dodington Parish Council and South Glos Council's Public Rights of Way section.

The Big Pull 2015

The Big Pull is run by South Glos council, as part of the Wild4life project, and the Avon Invasive Weeds Forum.

Himalayan Balsam is a plant which is rapidly spreading across the UK invading the banks of our rivers and streams, smothering our native plants and causing flooding. Pulling it up is the easiest way to control it.

Last years campaign was very successful, with 106 volunteers - including many local people - helping to clear a 675m stretch along the River Frome. Here’s what some pullers had to say about it:

‘Great morning – something very therapeutic about pulling up that balsam!’
‘Nice to meet new people and meet old friends.’

The organisers provide the equipment and guidance, you provide the pulling power.

Join us for a free Big Pull morning on:
    Saturday 31 May
    Saturday 7 June
    Saturday 28 June
    Saturday 12 July

The mornings run from 10am to 1pm. Meet at the far end of Celestine Road, Yate, BS37 5HB.
  •     All ages are welcome and there’s no need to book
  •     Free refreshments and snacks provided
  •     Please wear strong outdoor footwear and weatherproof clothing
  •     Long trousers and sleeves advised and sun cream and a hat if the weather is hot
For further information or to discuss any access needs please contact communityspaces@southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 863556.

Friday, April 24, 2015

New Wapley bridge may open any day


It's possible that the new Sergeant's Farm Bridge, which links Shire Way to Wapley Common, may open as soon as tomorrow (Sat 25 April).

If all goes to plan tomorrow, we understand that Murphys have Network Rail's permission to remove the temporary bridge overnight Saturday/Sunday. Fingers crossed...

They have been installing the new boundary fence for the Network Rail compound. At least in the short term the path from the bridge will emerge at the zebra crossing, then people will be able to walk along the short length of tarmac on the edge of Shire Way and then follow the path back into the ashtrack.

It is hoped to organise a modest celebration event in the near future, possibly involving a local school. We'll keep you posted.

Friday, April 03, 2015

South Gloucestershire Spring Walk, Sunday 19 April

This will be a guided tour around a scenic and rural part of South Gloucestershire to coincide with the bluebell flowering season. Please wear walking boots or other stout footwear and please note that ample free car parking is available at the Wickwar Road car park. Meet for a car share at the Clock Tower, High Street, Chipping Sodbury, 2.00pm.