Cooper's Hill Nature Reserve

About

A local nature reserve, 2 miles south of Brockworth on A46, with nationally important beech woodlands and a waymarked walking trail.
Cotswold beech woodlands together with small areas of flower-rich limestone grassland make this an internationally important site. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also contains a large Iron Age settlement. There are fine views from the top.
Facilities:
• 137 acres consisting of two blocks of beech woodland (Upton and Brockworth Woods), with small open areas of limestone grassland. Free public access throughout (except fenced off disused quarry area).
• A small amount of Car parking on the A46. (Height Restriction 6' 6")
• Waymarked nature walking trail .
• On site interpretation .
• Fine panoramic views .
• Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the site
• Part Scheduled Ancient Monument , with remains of an Iron Age hillfort, possibly the largest in Gloucestershire .
The land was purchased by Gloucestershire County Council in 1967 to prevent "further spoilation of the Cotswolds escarpment by quarrying", and was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 1970 as part of European Conservation year . The woodlands are typical beech woodlands of the Cotswolds escarpment, and are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the characteristic fauna and flora. The reserve is also designated as a European Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
In addition the whole area is registered common land, with commoners rights.
The cost of management of the reserve, both recreation and conservation, is offset by grant aid from the Forestry Commission.