Tanias Wood Nature Reserve

On the 18th September the Society held the official opening of it’s new Nature Reserve at Ubley. The land has been donated to the Society by Glyn England in memory of his wife Tania. Sadly Glyn passed away before the transfer of the property to the Society could be completed. At the opening, the England family was represented by his daughter, Jan, and granddaughter, Susie. Les Davies, as President, formally accepted the land on behalf of the Society. The Society was also represented by Chairman, Graham Price, and other members of the Management Committee. In addition, a number of local residents and representatives of the Parish Council, joined in the celebration.

The Reserve is situated within the Mendip Hills AONB on the south facing hillside to the north of Ubley, and from the top offers pleasant views over the Chew Valley and the northern edge of the main Mendip plateau. There are a number of native species present and typical wildlife is present including a badger set. There is also evidence of mediaeval occupation with banks and ditches indicative of a deer park.

Currently access to the Reserve is via the public footpath from Bickfield Land however it is hoped to have a separate access directly from the road in the near future, subject to approval from the Bath &
North East Somerset Council. It is hoped that the reserve will be of great benefit to the local community and participation in future maintenance and development will be very welcome. There will be opportunities to get involved in a number of practical woodland management tasks including coppicing, tree planting, step building etc. There is also potential for the use by local schools.

The Society welcomes support and anyone who would like to help with work on site can contact the reserve managers, Hayley Dorrington and Alex Hannam, and their team, via email. See 'Contacts' for details.