Nature Reserves
The Wye Valley AONB abounds with wildlife, much of it protected by three Special Areas of Conservation and 45 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There are at least 160 sites recognised locally as important for wildlife - many of them managed as Nature Reserves by the local Wildlife Trusts. Not all are accessible, but here's a selection that are. Ask at the nearest tourist information centre or use the links provided for more details.
Lancaut Nature Reserve
The Lancaut and Ban Y Gor Woods are within the Lancaut Peninsula and managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the river and to Wintour's Leap, it is a truly memorable spot. A public footpath leads down to the remains of 12 Century St James' Church, through woods and along the riverside to meet up with Offa's Dyke footpath along the cliff top. Be warned - the path is precipitous in places and there are boulders and a landslip to negotiate. On the other side of the Lancaut Reserve, the even more remote Ban Y Gor Woods - one way path in and out only.
Coppett Hill
Near Goodrich, this area, which is largely common land, is actively managed by the Coppett Hill Trust. It can be accessed from Goodrich Castle car park. A new walks guide to walks within and around Coppett Hill Common is now available at the new Goodrich Castle visitor centre, local Goodrich shops and through the website: Coppett Hill website
Highbury Wood
This area of ancient woodland is a National Nature Reserve. Highbury Wood is just off the A466 near Redbrook in the Forest of Dean. You can park in the village and walk up along the Offa's Dyke national trail to the reserve. Public access is limited to marked rights of way, and a way-marked circular route that leads through the reserve. A good time to visit is in Spring to see flowers such as primrose and early purple orchid.
Bigsweir and Cadora Woods
A long stretch of valley-side woodlands starting from near Bigsweir Bridge and continuing to almost link up with Highbury Wood NNR. Parking is available at the entrance to the woods which are traversed by Offa's Dyke National Trail and a number of linked rights of way. Excellent for bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic (ransoms) in the Spring. Haunt of buzzards and greater spotted woodpeckers.
Details of the site via Cadora Woods
Croes Robert Wood
This Site of Special Scientific Interest is on the edge of the Trellech plateau with magnificent views over the Vale of Usk. In Spring Croes Robert Wood is carpeted with wild flowers. The reserve entrance and car park are on the road from Trellech to Cwmcarvan (travelling from Monmouth on the B4239 towards Trellech, turn right just past Trellech school). A reserve leaflet is available from the offices of the Gwent Wildlife Trust, which owns the site.
Pentwyn Farm Reserve
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, important for its unimproved hay meadows, abundant in wild flowers. Pentwyn Farm Reserve is next to the Bush Inn at Penallt, and access is by the green lane at the end of the village green. This is one of several sites in the Wye Valley AONB owned by the Gwent Wildlife Trust.Others are Croes Robert Wood Dixton Embankment, near Monmouth; Margaret s Wood near Whitebrook; New Grove Meadows, near Trellech, Prisk Wood near Penallt and Penallt Old Church Wood and Wern Plantation, near Monmouth.
Wessington Pasture
A patchwork of woodland and grassland, rich in wildlife. The woodland is home to badgers, rabbits and fallow deer, small mammals such as voles, shrews and mice, and hunting birds such as buzzards and kestrels. The grassland supports several species of meadow butterfly, and numerous yellow ant colonies. This is one of several nature reserves in the area round Fownhope, all owned by Herefordshire Nature Trust. Others are Common Hill Nature Reserve, notable for its unimproved limestone grassland and an old orchard; Lea and Pagets Wood, one of the finest woodlands in the Wye Valley and Nupend Wood, another area of ancient semi-natural woodland. Herefordshire Nature Trust produces helpful leaflets to all these reserves. www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/hereford.
White Rocks and King Arthur’s Cave
These two reserves are on the rocky outcrop of The Doward. They contain areas of limestone grassland, abandoned quarry workings and natural caves, including King Arthur’s Cave. A leaflet is available from Herefordshire Nature Trust. www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/hereford.
