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• Managing Organisation:

  North Somerset Council

• Contact:

  John Flannigan

• Telephone:

  01934427346 
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Information about this open space

Abbots Pool Woodland, on the edge of the village of Abbots Leigh, near Bristol, is an interesting place to explore. The large pond, which is the central feature of the woodland, was originally developed for the medieval practice of farming for fish. The tobacco magnate Walter Melville Wills owned the property from 1915-1945 and changed the pond to its current appearance by raising the level of the dam, building the island, which stands on pillars only visible when water levels are low, making a boat-house in the form of a cave in one corner and putting in a slipway at the other corner. The Wills family also constructed the cascades below the dam fed from the overflow of the pool. An interesting feature of the cascade area, and one worth investigating, is the use of Pulhamite. This is a technique where natural looking rock was constructed using concrete. A Heritage Lottery Fund grant has recently helped to restore these features and improve access around the cascade. Surrounding the pool is idyllic mature woodland containing some massive oak and beech trees. An abundance of wildlife can be found here including deer, bats and birds. Fishing is also popular around the pool which contains a variety of fish. A car park off Manor Road and the public rights of way network can be used for access. The site covers about 10 hectares, with some steep paths, so sensible shoes are required for exploring. The main pathway is accessible by wheelchairs and buggies.