Nagshead

Nagshead is a woodland reserve, located on the western edge of Parkend, in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, and is home to RSPB Nagshead. The site is listed in the 'Forest of Dean Local Plan Review'.[1]

RSPB Nagshead
Visitor centre
Nagshead nature reserve shown within Gloucestershire
TypeRSPB Reserve
LocationParkend, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK
Coordinates51°46′05″N 2°33′56″W
Area1,250 acres (510 ha)
Operated byRSPB and Forestry Commission
StatusOpen all year

More than half of the reserve consists of 19th-century oak woodland, which is now managed solely for its conservation and landscape value.

In 1942, nest boxes were erected, in the hope that pied flycatchers would control oak leafroller moth larva, which were defoliating trees. These boxes have been continually monitored since 1948, making it the UK's longest-running bird breeding programme.[2] Nagshead includes a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).[3]

Facilities
Campbell Hide

The reserve is open all year. Entrance and car parking are free.

Facilities include;

  • Visitor centre and toilets (open at weekends during the summer).
  • Large car park.
  • Two viewing hides.
  • Two way-marked walks (1 mile and 2.25 miles).
  • Picnic area.
  • Information boards.

Birds

Wrens, buzzards, redstarts, pied flycatchers, and crossbills are frequently seen in the reserve, but visitors may also spot great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches, redwings, woodcocks and wood warblers.

Lower Hide

Other wildlife

More than 30 different butterflies and 20 dragonflies and damselflies have been seen at Nagshead. 8 of Britain's 12 reptiles and amphibians breed here; common lizard, slowworm, adder, grass snake, common frog, common toad, smooth newt and palmate newt.

Wild boar also roam Nagshead, but these are rarely seen.

Nagshead SSSI
Main article: Nagshead SSSI

A relatively small area of Nagshead reserve is designated a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. This comprises 120.12 hectares and lies adjacent to the Nagshead Plantation, with the B4234 running through the middle of it.[4] It is in the region of Nagshead Hill, Cleave Hill and Fetter Hill.[5]

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References
  1. Forest of Dean District Local Plan Review, adopted November 2005, Appendix D 'Nature Conservation Site Designations Within the Forest of Dean District', Key Wildlife Sites, Item 205 (Nagshead & Barnhill Plantations) & 206 (Nagshead SSSI (including Fetter Hill & Fairmoor Green))
  2. The Dean Nestbox Study 1942–1964, BRUCE CAMPBELL. Forestry (magazine), volume 41, Issue 1, pages 27-46.
  3. Natural England SSSI information on citation, map and unit details
  4. Natural England - Nature on the Map for Nagshead SSSI
  5. Ordnance Survey Get-a-map for grid reference SO608090

Bibliography

RSPB Nagshead Trail Guide (leaflet)

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