Gloucestershire is renowned for its natural beauty, boasting well-known sites such as Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves. Yet, nestled within the world-famous Cotswolds-known for its rolling hills and historic villages-lie lesser-known treasures that often escape the notice of tourists and locals alike.
One such hidden gem is Voltaire’s Wood, a privately owned 120-acre ancient woodland situated between Nailsworth and Avening. Unlike busier destinations, this tranquil site remains relatively undiscovered, offering visitors an authentic experience far removed from typical tourist trails.
Voltaire’s Wood presents itself more as a working wood than a manicured attraction, with just a handful of footpaths tracing the top ridge and weaving through the trees. From May to October on weekends, the woodland hosts several low-key campsites managed by Oak & Ash & Thorn. These sites provide an “amazing and secluded space for those seeking something wild, beautiful and unique,” where campers can immerse themselves in nature.
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There are four distinct camps catering to bushcrafters and wild campers, alongside a family camp suitable for larger groups and small gatherings. Rather than rows of tents or brightly lit facilities, individual campsites are discreetly set amidst the trees, accompanied by streams, valleys, and woodland paths to explore. The site’s atmosphere encourages simple pleasures: lighting a fire, listening for owls at night, and waking beneath the canopy of ancient trees.
Interestingly, visitors might encounter Voltaire, the Hungarian vizsla and family dog of the woodland’s owners, who is affectionately said to “think he owns the place.” The woodland itself is composed of oak, ash, beech, hazel, wild cherry, and sweet chestnut trees, with stewardship under Joy Lo Dico since 2015.
A historic feature of the woodland is the Old Bristol Road, a former packhorse route that once served as a vital thoroughfare through the Cotswold hills. Over time, many such routes have been reclaimed by nature, restoring the peacefulness of the landscape.
A decade ago, parts of Voltaire’s Wood had become overgrown and less hospitable to wildlife. Since then, active management has transformed the area: veteran trees are cared for, the canopy is opened to create sunlit glades and rides, coppicing is practiced, and measures are taken to combat ash dieback, all enhancing the wood’s resilience for future generations.
By-products of this management include timber utilised for maker boards, milled wood, and traditional coppice products like pea and bean sticks. Additionally, courses and events held on-site introduce visitors to woodland skills and sustainable management.
For those who prefer daytime exploring, Voltaire’s Wood offers free guided fungi walks on Saturdays until 28 November. Led by resident ecologist Clair Cartwright, these two-hour sessions welcome beginners eager to learn about the woodland’s fungi. While no foraging is permitted, participants discover how to identify various species and understand their crucial role within the ecosystem.
Depending on conditions, fungi such as turkey tail, ink caps, jelly ear, scarlet cups, dryad’s saddle, artist’s brackets, honey fungus, and King Alfred’s Cakes might be spotted. Visitors are advised to wear long trousers and sturdy footwear, as paths can be uneven and muddy. The site provides covered seating, compost toilets, hand-washing facilities, and a boot-washing station.
Attendance to these fungal tours is free, but advance booking online is essential. Furthermore, in October, a woodland management course will take place featuring experts from the Woodland Trust and former Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust managers. This course is designed for new woodland owners, land managers, conservation professionals, and anyone interested in woodland habitats.
Voltaire’s Wood thus offers a unique opportunity to engage with the natural landscape of the Cotswolds, whether through a night under the stars or a guided stroll appreciating the marvels of fungal life.