Nagshead

We are working hard to make our nature reserves safe and ready for our staff, visitors and wildlife. Many have now re-opened in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, although some facilities such as toilets are not yet available. All our other reserves remain closed for now. Please see our COVID-19 updates page for the latest information (link below).

Address: RSPB Nagshead, Coleford Rd, Parkend, Lydney GL15 4LA

Grid ref: SO606085

See our updates page to see which reserves are open.

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.

Plan your visit

Open from dawn to dusk.

Free entrance to RSPB members: Yes

Adults: Free, but donations are very welcome.

Children: Free, but donations are very welcome.

Facilities

Visitor centre
Car park
Toilets
Accessible toilets
Baby changing
Picnic area
Viewing point
Nature trails
Educational facilities

Accessibility

How to get here

By train

The nearest station is Lydney, 3.75 miles (6 km) away.

By bus

There is a stop at Parkend, by the cricket pitch/guesthouses. Buses run from Lydney Bus Station (circular), to the stop. For more information contact Gloucestershire Traveline on 0871 2002233.

By bike

Nagshead is linked to the extensive Forest-wide cycle trail. However, cycling on the reserve is not permitted.

By road

From Parkend, take the B4431 in a westerly direction towards Coleford. Nagshead is signposted on the right on leaving Parkend village. Nearest postcode: GL15 4LA

Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions.

Get directions from Google Maps

RSPB reserves on Google Earth

Groups welcome, guided walks and access to the visitor centre can be arranged, please contact reserve staff for more information.

School visits are welcome, we can help you arrange self-led visits or our partner can lead fully guided sessions which meet current curriculum criteria.

14 degrees, Sunny day

Downloads

Helping you find your way around. PDF, 867Kb

Nagshead trail guide

Contact Nagshead

RSPB Nagshead, Coleford Rd, Parkend, Lydney GL15 4LA
nagshead@rspb.org.uk
01594 562852
@RSPBNagshead

What will you see?

Our star species

Pied flycatcher

Watch for these birds through May and early June, flitting from branch to branch while they check it is safe to access their nestbox.

Wood warbler

Listen for the distinctive spinning coin call of the males and catch a glimpse of their bright plumage throughout spring and summer.

Tree pipit

Keep an eye on tree tops in heathy/open areas to see this summer visitor singing over his territory.

Spotted flycatcher

This flycatcher may be less striking than the pied, but worth looking high in the trees to see them ‘dash’ from their perch to catch dinner in the air.

Lesser spotted woodpecker

The smallest of the British woodpeckers, this is a rare sight well worth seeking out when the trees are bare.

Hawfinch

This elusive species is the largest of the finches in the UK, most frequently seen between January and March, but look for them in berry trees in late summer.

Crossbill

These acrobatic finches can frequently be seen in noisy groups high in conifer trees.

Goshawk

More often heard than seen, these birds of prey are masters of flying through woodland, often seeming to only just fit between tree trunks.

Many of the characteristic species are most easily viewed at this time of the year. Visitors such as wood warblers, pied flycatchers, redstarts and nightjars start to arrive, joining scarce resident species such as lesser spotted woodpeckers, woodcocks and hawfinches.

The birdsong subsides. This is very much the time to enjoy the extensive broadleaved woodland and especially the old 'Napoleonic' oaks, dating from the early 19th Century. Nagshead has the largest surviving stands of old oak in the Forest of Dean.

The summer-visiting birds are replaced by winter visitors like bramblings, lesser redpolls and redwings. October is the time of the deer rut and fallow deer can be heard calling throughout the forest for a brief two-week period.

Resident bird flocks including tits, treecreepers, nuthatches and occasionally woodpeckers can be seen. It is a good time to seek the elusive hawfinch and maybe catch a glimpse of wild boar at dusk. Mandarin ducks can often be seen on the reserve and in nearby ponds and lakes. February marks the beginning of the nesting season for ravens.

About Nagshead

Habitat

Nagshead has a mixture of habitats including woodland, ponds, glades and rides.

Conservation

RSPB work in partnership with the Forestry Commission in the Forest of Dean. The reserve is supported by RSPB local groups and supporters.

Site information

Nagshead is a great place for wildlife, and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Activities and events

Activities for children and families

We have self-guided family activities available at the site as well as many events which are aimed specifically at families. Additionally, RSPB works with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Forestry Commission to lead monthly activities through Foresters' Forest.

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