Merbach Hill Common
A spectacularly positioned common lying around 1000 feet up above the Wye valley, with glorious views to the Malvern Hills to the east, Clee Hill to the north, Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains to the south and the Welsh Hills to the west. The common is mostly rough gorse, fern, scrub and grassland, and is a little haven for butterflies.Highlights: Aside from the views, some 20 species of butterfly have been recorded here recently, including small white, small tortoiseshell, peacock, gatekeeper, meadow brown, ringlet, small heath and green veined white. There are often buzzards circling overhead, and slow worms have been seen here.
Location: Head west from Hereford towards Hay-on-Wye on the A438, turn left at Staunton on Wye and cros sthe small bridge to Bredwardine. At Bredwardine, go starignt across the cross roads at the pub and keep going as far up the hill as you can. There is very limited parking, please avoid farm gates. Follow one of the footpaths heading west for about 10-15 minutes to get to the top of the hill. An OS map is very useful. The common does lie on the Wye Valley walk.
Grid reference: SO331444
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