Lady Park Wood

Lady Park Wood is part of a large woodland complex in the Wye Valley. The reserve is an example of unmanaged woodland where much research work has been carried out over the years. It is also one of Britain's most important areas for woodland conservation. The main tree species are beech, oak, ash, small- and large-leaved lime, wych elm and birch. Other trees include maple, aspen, cherry, yew, whitebeam, alder and sallow. The most abundant and widespread shrub is hazel, but dogwood, spindle, hawthorn, privet and holly are also present.

Wildlife highlights: Lady Park Wood has a rich breeding bird community which includes all three woodpecker species, redstart, wood warbler, tawny owl, pied flycatcher and treecreeper. Spring and summer is the best time to hear bird-song in the woods.

A variety of rare bats have been recorded here, in particular greater and lesser horseshoe bats which are found here in significant numbers.

Location & Access: Lady Park Wood is 3 km north east of Monmouth on the southern bank of the River Wye. The nearest village is Symonds Yat, 1.5 km to the north east, on the river's northern bank. By car - access to the reserve is from the A40 and A4136. There are several public rights of way through the wood, but to other areas of the wood is by permit only.