About the reserve

This area of improved pasture land on the bank of the River Tone, north of Bishop’s Hull, has been planted with native broadleaved trees to create new woodland.

The site is an extension of Somerset West and Taunton Council’s existing woodland plantation, created with the help of volunteers.

The site was purchased with support from Viridor Credits Environmental Company and Bishop’s Hull Parish Council and is being developed in co-operation with Somerset West and Taunton Council, the parish and volunteers.

The former line of the Grand Western Canal passes close to the northern margin and a public footpath roughly follows the route of the former towpath.

Hedgerows lining the northern and western boundaries have sections dominated by English Elm. The northern hedge also features Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Elder, Common Dogwood, Pedunculate Oak and Ash. Good numbers of Brown Hairstreak butterflies can been seen along these hedges; also look out for Holly Blues and the Orange Tailed Clearwing Moth.

The riverbank itself is mainly open but a number
of mature standard trees occur, including several black poplars towards the western end.
The river supports a diverse fauna including a range of less common species such as Otter, Water Shrew, Kingfisher and Dipper.

Salmon and Brown Trout are known to migrate along this section of the river to spawn upstream.
A pair of small ponds along the line of the northern boundary ditch provide a habitat for amphibians.

Information boards are on site, together with some sculptures on Somerset West and Taunton Council’s area.