THE WILD SIDE OF OAKRIDGE LYNCH

April brings a sea of bluebells to our woodlands and gently wakes many species from their winter sleeps. Sue Bradley discovers how Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is reviving an old woodland practice and meets a new wildlife guardian

- Sue Bradley

Oakridge Lynch’s location on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment means its residents enjoy fine views, along with a good helping of whatever the weather has to throw at it.

Indeed, conditions can be so extreme over winter that even those in Bisley, a place known for its sometimes chilly climate, will refer to their neighbouring village as ‘Little Siberia’.

Nevertheless residents of this picturesque rural community can console themselves with the wealth of flower-rich meadows and shady woodlands around them, with many needing to go no further than a few short steps to enter glorious countryside.

One popular walk is a circular route that many join after following the footpath located close to the church that leads towards a stunning meadow known as Strawberry Banks and on to Three Groves Wood, which is looked after by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.