Coed Y Cerrig
Lying in a small deep valley, the little wood at Coed y Cerrig is hidden away in the southern part of Black Mountains; its moist valley floor covered by an unusual type of alder woodland. Some areas of the woodland are coppiced to maintain this unique habitat. Three distinct types of woodlands exist on the site, which offer contrasting conditions for a wide variety of plants and animals. On the valley floor the water table is near the surface all year round, and the trees are mainly alder and willow.
Wildlife highlights: The reserve is home to a variety of birds, with almost thirty species recorded here, including: Redstart; Wood warbler; Blackcap along; Blue tits; Great tits.
In summer about thirteen species of butterfly can also be seen; including that classic woodland butterfly - the speckled wood - fiercely defending its personal shaft of sunlight against trespassers.
Location: The reserve is situated approximately six-and-a-half kilometres north of Abergavenny and three kilometres west of Llanfihangel Crucorney, on either side of a minor road between the small town of Crickhowell and the hamlet of Stanton. There is informal parking for approximately four vehicles about halfway along the road that runs through the reserve.
Access: To the south of the road a fully accessible boardwalk route runs for some 300-metres along the valley floor, passing through the wet woodland.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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