Nagshead Nature Reserve

Visitor information

How to find us

Sat Nav Postcode:

GL15 4LA

Coleford Road, Parkend, Lydney

By Car

From Coleford, follow the B4431 towards Parkend. Just before Parkend village, the Reserve is signposted to the left, accessed along a forest road

OS Grid Ref

SO607085

Get directions

51.768205060201, -2.5653505325317

Facilities and access

The toilets are located in the visitor centre and are only accessible during open hours (10am to 4pm at weekends and bank holidays, between Easter and September).

Baby changing facilities
Picnic area
Toilets
Visitor Centre
Wildlife hide

Nagshead Nature Reserve

Discover an oasis of wildlife in the heart of the Forest of Dean, near Coleford

Made up of a beautiful mature oak woodland, Nagshead Nature Reserve plays host to a variety of bird species, making it the perfect day out for any wildlife enthusiasts throughout the year. See if you can spot pied flycatchers in the spring, woodpeckers in summer, nuthatches in autumn and goshawks over winter!

The Nature Reserve has two wildlife hides as well as two waymarked trails which can all be found near the visitor centre. A daily bulletin board lets you know which species of birds may be seen in the locality.

The Nature Reserve is a joint project in partnership with the RSPB (Nagshead Nature Reserve, Gloucestershire - The RSPB).

At a glance

2 walking trails
2 wildlife hides
Picnic area

Things to do

Nature Trails at Nagshead Nature Reserve

There are two waymarked nature trails to choose from at Nature Reserve Nature Trails. Both trails start and finish at the car park.

You are welcome to walk other woodland paths and tracks on the reserve but you are advised to use a local Ordnance Survey map.

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Picnics at Nagshead Nature Reserve

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at Nagshead Nature Reserve. Just bring along good food and company!

Picnic tables are located by the visitor centre.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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Nearby forests

Darkhill Ironworks

Darkhill Ironworks, and the neighbouring Titanic Steelworks, are internationally important industrial remains associated with the development of the iron and steel industries. The world's first tungsten steel were produced here, with the ironworks dating back to 1811 and the brickworks being established some time before 1818. The complex of tramway, brickworks and ironworks lie on a series of terraces above one another on the hillside, resulting in a fascinating landscape to visit.

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New Fancy

Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, come and see the spectacular views that the old spoil heap now provides. The viewpoint is an ideal place to watch birds of prey soaring above the woodland.

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Cannop Ponds

Cannop Ponds are two reservoirs within the Forest of Dean, originally created in 1820s to supply a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks.

Today, they are used for fishing by the Yorkley Angling Club and the site makes an idyllic spot to view local birdlife. Enjoy the picturesque picnic area overlooking the ponds and look out for the Mandarin ducks, reed warblers and a pair of nesting mute swans.

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Mallards Pike

There is something for everyone at this beautiful lakeside setting.

Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or a range of running trails from 2km to 10km routes.

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