Cotswolds winter foraging

There’s something utterly magical about seeing greenery flourishing in woodland in the depths of winter when all else is sleeping.

Certainly, way before Christmas celebrations, the pagans of this island thought so. To them, holly and ivy symbolised eternal life – and mistletoe was considered the most magical plant of all.

The Cotswolds is filled with woodland where you can gather material for festive decorations: the emerald of holly, lit by its bright red berries; variegated ivy adding subtlety. Cuttings from fir trees; seed heads; pine cones collected from a forest floor… You could even get the youngsters painting interesting stones they find, to add to the vibrancy of the dinner table.

Here are seven Cotswold places to gather your bounty, nature reserves cared for by Wildlife Trust charities. All allow open access throughout the year, for free.

Foxholes, Burford

4 miles north of Burford, OX7 6QD.

Description: don’t just visit in winter; this ancient woodland is also famed for its spectacular spring bluebells, abundant birdlife and fabulous fungi.

Parking: Take the lane to Bruern off A424. Continue for 2 miles, pass a lane on the right to Shipton-under-Wychwood. After 200m, there is limited parking for 3 cars in the layby. Walk 600m down track to reserve. There is no vehicular access down the track.

Dogs: on a lead.

https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/foxholes

 

Arle Grove, Cheltenham

500m north of Dowdeswell, off the A40 near Whittington, Cheltenham GL54 4EY.

Description: Species-rich ancient woodland unchanged over centuries, lying on the edge of the Escarpment.

Parking: in the layby opposite, with room for four or five vehicles.

Dogs: on a lead.

https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/arle-grove

 

Coopers Hill, Gloucester

Coopers Hill, Gloucester, GL3 4SB

Description: steeply sloped, Cooper’s Hill is an internationally renowned ancient beech woodland with areas of open scrub and grass.

Parking: The nearest car park is called Fiddlers Elbow, located off the A46, with a height restriction of 6ft 6ins: GL4 8ET. There is a small amount of parking at the other entrance, SO892147, What3Words cheat.boardroom.neater.

Dogs: permitted.

https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/coopers-hill

 

Collin Park Wood, Forest of Dean

2 miles north east of Newent, opposite Brand Green Fruit Farm, Upleadon, GL18 1ED (nearest postcode).

Description: ancient woodland in gently rolling countryside around the River Leadon

Parking: some roadside parking along Brand Green Road.

Dogs: permitted.

https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/collin-park-wood

 

Frith Wood, Stroud

Three miles north east of Stroud on the B4070 near Bull's Cross close to Slad,

Stroud. The nearest postcode to the north entrance is GL6 7QS, while the postcode for the south entrance is GL6 7QT.

Description: A wonderful ancient beech wood straddling the ridge overlooking Painswick Valley and Slad Valley.

Parking: available at the Bulls Cross intersection (Slad Road and Yokehouse Lane).

Dogs: on a lead.

https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/frith-wood

 

Box Wood, Minchinhampton

Near Stroud; the nearest postcode is GL6 9HD

Description: towering beech trees in this tucked-away valley create the most tranquil of atmospheres.

Parking: available on roads around the village of Box, near Minchinhampton.

Dogs: permitted.

https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/box-wood

 

Lower Woods, between Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton, off Inglestone Common

Chase Lane, South Gloucestershire; postcode for car park is GL9 1BX.

Description: One of the largest ancient woodlands in the South West, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Parking: for around 20 cars.

Dogs: permitted but on short leads (2m or less) between March 1 and July 31 (as stated in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).

https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/lower-woods

Gather your greenery responsibly:

• Make sure you know what you’re collecting: research first, and look for images if you’re unsure.
• Pick only as much as you will use yourself – don’t waste anything; leave lots for other people.
• Don’t pick protected species; only common plants where there are plenty to be found.
• Don’t forget that berries are invaluable to birds in winter;
• Don’t uproot or damage any plants.
• Don’t forget to take secateurs or scissors and a bag to carry your finds!