An exhibit that has brought bears to South Gloucestershire for the first time in thousands of years will open to the public next week.

Bear Wood, which is home to four European brown bears, five wolves, two Eurasian lynx and two wolverines, will open at Wild Place Project on Thursday, July 25.

The multi-million pound exhibit is set in ancient woodland, where bears and wolves roamed around the year 8000BC.

Visitors will be able to view the animals from a raised wooden walkway.

Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, which operates Wild Place Project, said: “We are delighted to be just a week away from the grand opening, after so much hard work and preparation.

“Not only is this the most significant new addition to Wild Place Project that we have created to date but we are confident that this will be the best and most immersive bear exhibit in the country.

“Bear Wood tells the story of the UK’s ancient woodland and the charismatic species that once inhabited it – now brought back in one spectacular immersive experience. We hope Bear Wood will also inspire visitors about the woodland and wildlife we have left, encouraging them to protect what remains.”