--- title: Hobbs Nature Reserve - Important Gloucestershire Reserve --- [Skip to content](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk#main-content) [![Hobbs Nature Reserve](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/White-Logo-Hobbs-Nature-Reserve-V4.png?width=1402&height=300&name=White-Logo-Hobbs-Nature-Reserve-V4.png "Hobbs Nature Reserve")](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/about-us) Show submenu for About - [Hobbs Sponsors and Supporters](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/sponsors-and-supporters) - [Volunteering at Hobbs](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/volunteering) - [Quarry](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/quarry) Show submenu for Quarry - [Limestone Kiln](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/geology/limestone-kiln) - [Geology](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/geology) Show submenu for Geology - [Fossils](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/geology/fossils-found-at-hobbs-nature-reserve-gloucestershire) - [Nature](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/nature) Show submenu for Nature - [Birds](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/animals/birds) - [Mammals](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/mammals) Show submenu for Mammals - [Hazel Dormouse](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/mammals#dormouse) - [Insects & Invertebrates](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/animals/insects) - [Ecosystem](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/ecosystem) Show submenu for Ecosystem - [Plants](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/flora-and-fungi/plants) - [Trees & Shrubs](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/flora-and-fungi/native-trees-and-shrub) - [Fungi](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/flora-and-fungi/fungi) - [Contact](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/contact) Show submenu for Contact - [How to find Hobbs](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/contact) - [Blog](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hobb-blog) - [About](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/about-us) Show submenu for About - [Hobbs Sponsors and Supporters](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/sponsors-and-supporters) - [Volunteering at Hobbs](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/volunteering) - [Quarry](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/quarry) Show submenu for Quarry - [Limestone Kiln](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/geology/limestone-kiln) - [Geology](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/geology) Show submenu for Geology - [Fossils](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/geology/fossils-found-at-hobbs-nature-reserve-gloucestershire) - [Nature](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/nature) Show submenu for Nature - [Birds](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/animals/birds) - [Mammals](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/mammals) Show submenu for Mammals - [Hazel Dormouse](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/mammals#dormouse) - [Insects & Invertebrates](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/animals/insects) - [Ecosystem](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/ecosystem) Show submenu for Ecosystem - [Plants](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/flora-and-fungi/plants) - [Trees & Shrubs](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/flora-and-fungi/native-trees-and-shrub) - [Fungi](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/flora-and-fungi/fungi) - [Contact](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/contact) Show submenu for Contact - [How to find Hobbs](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/contact) - [Blog](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hobb-blog) [Helping](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/volunteering?hsLang=en) ## Welcome to Hobbs ## Nature Reserve Open all year round Hobbs Nature Reserve is relatively small but it’s importance should not be underestimated. The site is designated by Natural England as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique geological features that are described in more detail on our site [Geology](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/geology?hsLang=en) [Contact Us](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/contact?hsLang=en) ![greater-butterfly-orchid](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/greater-butterfly-orchid.jpg?width=1438&height=2000&name=greater-butterfly-orchid.jpg "greater-butterfly-orchid") Greater Butterly Orchid found at Hobbs ### About Hobbs Nature Reserve Hobbs is a small but environmentally rich Nature Reserve, that is open to the public and is free to visit. Visitors can enjoy peaceful woodland walks, fossil exploration, learn about the history of its lime quarrying, and where you can delight in the rare plants, birds and animals.  The reserve was once entirely ancient woodland. After the ice age, Britain became covered by Wildwood, most of which was eventually cleared. However, patches with ancient woodland species, like the Hobbs Nature Reserve, still exist. Despite past quarrying, the upper edges have remained untouched, preserving habitats for Small Leaved Lime, the Hazel Dormouse, and various ancient woodland wildflowers such as Wood Anemone, Wood Sorrel, Primrose, Sweet Woodruff, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Herb Paris, and Bluebell. These species are typically absent in woods younger than 400 years old, suggesting a long history of woodland in this area that include Grove, Coleman’s, and Kiln woods. [Discover Flora](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/flora-and-fungi/native-trees-and-shrub?hsLang=en) [Discover Mammals](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/mammals?hsLang=en) ![tree](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/tree.png?width=144&height=145&name=tree.png) 5898 Trees Planted ![life](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/changing-life.png?width=145&height=145&name=changing-life.png) 1994 Changing Life Since ![partner](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/partner.png?width=145&height=145&name=partner.png) 21 + Our Partners ![hands](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/volunteer.png?width=144&height=145&name=volunteer.png) 385 Volunteers ### The different areas of interest ### at Hobbs Nature Reserve ![reduce](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/icons/globe.svg) ##### Hobbs Geology Recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England, Hobbs holds international importance for preserving a unique reef formation from the Silurian Period. It's part of an abandoned quarry, stretching one kilometer north-south along the ridge east of Longhope village, Gloucester. The site features exposed bioherms and fossil-rich carbonate rocks known as Wenlock Limestone. Its accessibility makes it an ideal resource for educational groups of all ages and academic backgrounds. ![coal](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/coal.png?width=80&height=80&name=coal.png) ##### Hobbs Quarry Lime quarrying was an important industry in the area. Depicted on the OS map of 1889, this abandoned site was once a hive of industry activity and was quarried for lime from the seventeenth century to the end of the nineteenth century. The limestone would have been typically extracted from the quarry face through a process of drilling, blasting, and cutting the stone from the rock face with various equipment. A lime kiln was constructed at the site to process the lime. ![kiln](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/kiln.png?width=80&height=80&name=kiln.png) ##### Hobbs Lime Kiln The lime kiln at Hobbs is now in ruins, however, it was an essential part of the quarrying process and built to burn the extracted lime. The simplest method of producing lime was by using a ‘clamp kiln’. Layers of fuel and limestone were stacked together in a mound, covered with clay or turf and slowly burned in a method similar to that used in charcoal burning. The remains of the kilns at Hobbs comprises a hearth on the floor of a pit, measuring approximately up to 2.5 m in diameter and up to 2 m in depth. The surrounding soil and debris shows evidence of burning by a change in colour and loose piles of rock. The volunteers are hoping to restore the kiln in the future. ![family](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/icons/livelihoods.svg) ##### Conservation at Hobbs Hobbs is listed in the 'Forest of Dean Local Plan Review' as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS). Hobbs Quarry, Longhope (grid reference SO695195) is a 1-hectare (2.5-acre) geological and biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, England, notified in 1966. Doormice, a protected species, live in the reserve and are actively monitored and provided with nest boxes. Regular active conservation by volunteers is combined with research work on the geological exposures and preservation of the valuable natural environment. ![rabbit (1)](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/rabbit%20(1).png?width=80&height=80&name=rabbit%20(1).png) ##### Wildlife and Nature at Hobbs The lush habitat in the reserve is great for common dormice as well as birds such as the black cap, treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, buzzard and long-tailed tit.  The sheltered site is also ideal for butterflies. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is home to over thirty different species of butterfly. The large oaks can support up to 300 different insects and old hollow branches are nest sites to tawny owls and woodpeckers who thrive on the large insect population. ![mushroom](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mushroom.png?width=80&height=80&name=mushroom.png) ##### Flora, Fauna & Fungi at Hobbs The quarry floor and walls have become colonised by common species such as ash, bramble and wild clematis. The damp walls support moss and hart's-tongue fern and moisture loving fungi. The presence of small-leaved lime indicates that the quarry was once part of an adjoining ancient woodland. Traditionally the limes were coppiced. The area supports ancient woodland flowers such as wood anemone, wood sorrel, primrose, sweet woodruff, greater butterfly-orchid, herb paris and bluebell. ### Discover Hobbs Nature [Woodland birds](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/animals/birds?hsLang=en) seen at Hobbs include blackbird, tree creeper, nuthatch and longtailed tit. Buzzards soar overhead, and the croak of the Raven is often heard. [Mammals large and small](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/mammals?hsLang=en), from Fox to wood mouse, forage for insects and seeds. With the improvement of the habitat, the rare hazel dormouse has been seen in the boxes erected to encourage them to breed. The smaller less visible biodiversity represented by the diverse insect population should not be overlooked during your visit. Lookout for Bumblebees, butterflies, hover flies, spiders and ants.  [Discover Insects](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/animals/insects?hsLang=en) [Discover Mammals](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/mammals?hsLang=en) ![Tree-creeper](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Tree-creeper.jpg?width=1094&height=1457&name=Tree-creeper.jpg "Tree-creeper") ### Meet The Team ![Team Member](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/pauline.png) [mailto:google@google.com](mailto:google@google.com) ##### [Pauline Wright](http://makewebbetter-5145589.hs-sites.com/en/people-detail-page) Volunteer ![Team Member](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/brandon.png) ##### [James Stewart](http://makewebbetter-5145589.hs-sites.com/en/people-detail-page) Volunteer ![Team Member](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/morris.png) ##### [William Mejia](http://makewebbetter-5145589.hs-sites.com/en/people-detail-page) Volunteer ![Team Member](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/william.png) ##### [Brandon Hudgins](http://makewebbetter-5145589.hs-sites.com/en/people-detail-page) Volunteer ![Team Member](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/cesar.png) ##### [Cesar Watts](http://makewebbetter-5145589.hs-sites.com/en/people-detail-page) Volunteer ![James Stewart](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/james.png) ##### [James Stewart](http://makewebbetter-5145589.hs-sites.com/en/people-detail-page) Volunteer ### Case Study ![case](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/case-study.png?width=392&height=473&name=case-study.png) Air Pollution ##### What’s currently happening in Air Pollution all around the world? AQI region-wise. Planning and zoning are examples of mitigation actions, as are floodplain protection, property acquisition and relocation, and public outreach projects. Installing disaster warning systems, purchasing radio communications equipment, and conducting emergency response training are examples of preparedness actions. Disaster mitigation is at the heart of emergency management. View Case Study ![case](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/case-study.png?width=392&height=473&name=case-study.png) Air Pollution ##### What’s currently happening in Air Pollution all around the world? AQI region-wise. Planning and zoning are examples of mitigation actions, as are floodplain protection, property acquisition and relocation, and public outreach projects. Installing disaster warning systems, purchasing radio communications equipment, and conducting emergency response training are examples of preparedness actions. Disaster mitigation is at the heart of emergency management. Raised : $10.11 million Goal: $23 million Donate ![case](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/case-study.png?width=392&height=473&name=case-study.png) Air Pollution ##### What’s currently happening in Air Pollution all around the world? AQI region-wise. Planning and zoning are examples of mitigation actions, as are floodplain protection, property acquisition and relocation, and public outreach projects. Installing disaster warning systems, purchasing radio communications equipment, and conducting emergency response training are examples of preparedness actions. Disaster mitigation is at the heart of emergency management. Raised : $10.11 million Goal: $23 million Donate Human degradation of nature is the greatest challenge of the twenty-first century, yet it barely registers as a political issue. Environment solutions often create jobs & economic opportunities. ![profile-3](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/goldie.png?width=50&height=51&name=goldie.png) ###### Goldie D. Taylor Investor Environmental research has resulted in significant advancements that have resulted in the protection of human and ecosystem health. In the industrialized world, voluntary environmental agreements are a must. ![profile-3](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/charles.png?width=50&height=51&name=charles.png) ###### Charles M. Pruitt Advocacy Partner A brilliant strategy for finally making nature conservation and sustainability relevant in elections by supporting green candidates in all possible efforts. Let’s make that happen with our mechanisms. ![profile-3](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/karen.png?width=50&height=51&name=karen.png) ###### Karen J. Lugo Volunteer Environmental research has resulted in significant advancements that have resulted in the protection of human and ecosystem health. In the industrialized world, voluntary environmental agreements are a must. ![profile-3](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/charles.png?width=50&height=51&name=charles.png) ###### Charles M. Pruitt Advocacy Partner #### The Environment is All We Have In Common The reserve is owned by the Hobbs Nature Reserve Trust (Charity Commission Registration Number 1200263) and managed and maintained by the trustees of the charity and a group of volunteers. \[link to section on volunteering\] The reserve relies on public donations . to continue the management and maintenance work. If you would like to volunteer to support the reserve either by a donation by helping us on working parties, please contact us through our email. [contact@hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk](mailto:contact@hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk) [![Adobe](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/adobe.png)](https://www.adobe.com/) [![Dell](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/dell.png)](https://www.dell.com/) [![Uber](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/uber.png)](https://www.uber.com/) [![Paypal](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/paypal.png)](https://www.paypal.com/) [![Microsoft](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/microsoft.png)](https://www.microsoft.com/) [![Google](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/google.png)](https://www.Google.com/) [![Spotify](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/spotify.png)](https://www.spotify.com/) [![Dropbox](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/dropbox.png)](https://www.dropbox.com/) [![Nike](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/@marketplace/MakeWebBetter/Environmental/images/multipurpose/nike.png)](https://www.nike.com/) ### Hobbs is run by a local team of Volunteers ![Herb-Paris-1](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/Herb-Paris-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Herb-Paris-1.jpg) ![bumble-bee-1](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/bumble-bee-1.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=bumble-bee-1.webp) ![primroses](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/primroses.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=primroses.jpg) ![Dormouse-Box-2](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/Dormouse-Box-2.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=Dormouse-Box-2.webp) ![Volunteers-1](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/Volunteers-1.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=Volunteers-1.webp) ![Blackcap-1](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/Blackcap-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Blackcap-1.jpg) ![Tree-creeper-1-1](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/Tree-creeper-1-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Tree-creeper-1-1.jpg) ![Nuthatch-1](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/Nuthatch-1.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=Nuthatch-1.webp) ![Clearing rock face 2023](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/Clearing%20rock%20face%202023.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Clearing%20rock%20face%202023.jpg) ![W anemone ](https://25746252.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/25746252/hubfs/W%20anemone%20.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=W%20anemone%20.jpg) ### Contact Us If you have any questions or comments please contact us through our email: [contact@hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk](mailto:contact@hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk) [Contact Us](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/contact?hsLang=en) [![Hobbs Nature Reserve](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/White-Logo-Hobbs-Nature-Reserve-V4.png?width=1402&height=300&name=White-Logo-Hobbs-Nature-Reserve-V4.png "Hobbs Nature Reserve")](https://hobbsnaturereserve.org.uk/?hsLang=en) ##### Use this Form to Contact Us   Contact: Hobbs Nature Reserve Trust Contact@hobbsreserve.org Copyright © 2025 Innovation Visual All Rights Reserved. |