The last 400 years has seen dramatic changes to the landscape of this steep sided Cotswold valley.

The vision now is that of a beautiful, tranquil and secluded valley where the balance between woodland, water and grassland is restored. Its history as a designated landscape is appreciated, ideal conditions for the Greater Horseshoe bat have been created and the nature conservation potential realised.

'Where the visitor can enjoy peaceful, extensive and educational walks though an atmospheric landscape affording inspirational views of the valley, house and lakes throughout the seasons. An oasis in an otherwise busy part of the world.'

The Landscape of Woodchester Park
The historic landscape is partially hidden under conifer and mixed woodlands planted in the mid 20th century. Woodchester Park is a steep sided wooded valley, with a chain of five man-made lakes occupying the valley bottom. Although it was designed in the picturesque style in the late 18th and 19th centuries, the landscape at the bottom end of the park is often described as being more reminiscent of the Lake District or Alps than of the Cotswolds.

The valley's slopes and side combes are densely wooded down to the lakes. The upper valley slopes consist of deciduous woodland (beech, ash and hazel) with the remainder of the woodlands being conifers and mixed plantation, both planted and naturally regenerated.

The only significant area of open space within the valley is the attractive sweep of permanent pasture adjoining the Mansion. These fields contain a scattering of magnificent old parkland trees, such as Lucombe Oaks, Turkey Oaks, Sweet Chestnut, Sycamore, Cedars (Cedars of Lebanon and Atlantic Cedars) and a Monkey Puzzle.

Lying towards the western end of the park is Woodchester Mansion, a Victorian gothic building standing in isolation next to the parkland.

The chain of five lakes were man-made with impressive straight edged dams and walled faces. The lakes are hidden within the wooded valley, particularly with the overhanging trees (including large coppiced alders, oak, beech and ash) on their fringes. The extensive lily beds add to the valley's extremely picturesque appearance.

After the National Trust purchased the park in 1994, the management has been directed by the restoration of permanent pasture, thus improving habitat for the resident Greater Horseshoe bats, and the re-creation of the historic landscape. A component of this work also involves opening up views along the valley, and improving the site for wildlife and members of the public.