TODAY the whole of the UK enjoyed the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 23 degrees in parts of South Gloucestershire.

Most of you made the most of the mini heat wave that is set to stay until the end of the week.

As spring unfolds there is plenty to look out for, especially at Lower Woods Nature Reserve.

The woods are the the largest ancient woodlands in the South West.

Our photographer Paul Nicholls visited and took these fantastic pictures.