Take the path into the woods and enter a world of ancient oaks, home to woodpeckers, Hawfinches, Fallow Deer and Wild Boar.
⚠ Due to an exceptional year for wasps, we have nests in Lower Hide and on the Visitor Centre. For safety reasons, we have now closed both and they will remain closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience caused ⚠
At the heart of the Forest of Dean, this mature oak woodland throngs with birds all year round. See Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts in the spring, all three British woodpecker species in summer and Nuthatches in the autumn. Wrap up warm to see Goshawks and Treecreepers during the winter, then return for carpets of Bluebells in spring.
Scrunch through the woods between May and June to see Pied Flycatchers flitting from branch to branch, en route to the nest boxes they readily breed in. The distinctive spinning coin call of the Wood Warbler rings out – look out for their vibrant green and yellow plumage through spring and summer. And you can't miss the flash of red as a noisy group of Crossbills busy themselves in the conifers.
20 spaces. Unmarked bays. Rolled stone surface with some loose surface material. Gently sloping. Drop off in front of visitor centre if required. Coach and minibus access available (please contact reserve staff in advance). Additional five spaces in unmarked bays at Russell's Enclosure.
Our toilets are in the visitor centre, and are accessed during open hours (11am-3pm at weekends and bank holidays between Easter and September only. Closed the rest of the time.
Outside of these hours, the nearest accessible toilets are at Parkend station. See their website for details.
Our toilets are in the visitor centre, and are accessed during open hours (10am-4pm at weekends and bank holidays between Easter and September only. Closed the rest of the time.
Outside of these hours, the nearest baby changing facilities are at Norchard Steam Centre, 4 miles (6km) away. See their website for details.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Nature trails have swing and kissing gates.
Two circular waymarked nature trails from the visitor centre: 1 mile (1.5 km) and 2.25 miles (3.5 km). Both include steep slopes and are unsurfaced, so may be uneven and soft in places. Longer loop has some narrow sections as well as longer slopes.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information. Nature trails have swing and kissing gates.
Two circular waymarked nature trails from the visitor centre: 1 mile (1.5 km) and 2.25 miles (3.5 km). Both include steep slopes and are unsurfaced, so may be uneven and soft in places. Longer loop has some narrow sections as well as longer slopes.
Our toilets are in the visitor centre, and are accessed during open hours (11am-3pm at weekends and bank holidays between Easter and September only. Closed the rest of the time.
Outside of these hours, the nearest accessible toilets are at Parkend station. See their website for details.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Please keep your dog on a short lead at all times due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and livestock here.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Cycling on the reserve is not permitted.
Discover exciting events at Nagshead. Join us for our forest at night walk!
We know that Nagshead is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.