NATURAL LIFE
What to see in Spring
In April the delicate, and increasingly rare native daffodil can be seen on the Slope beside Margaret’s Wood. Many of
Monmouthshire’s ancient woodlands are carpeted in bluebells, wood anemones, early purple orchids and ransoms – try a visit to Prisk Wood or Croes Robert (just above
the Farm) to see the displays. Cowslips can be seen at grassland reserves such as Pentwyn Farm and New Grove Meadows
and the roadsides abound with snowdrops and primroses.
What to see in Summer
One of the most spectacular sights Monmouthshire can offer is that of traditionally-managed meadows in full flower. Don’t miss seeing the bright carpet of blooms at Springfield Meadow,
Pentwyn Farm or New Grove Meadows. The sight of hundreds of flowering orchid spikes is unforgettable. Different flowers occur on the limestone grasslands; to see these specialities visit Rogiet Poorland and Brockwells Meadows
What to see in Autumn
Come and see the stunning autumnal woodlands at Silent Valley and other woodland reserves. This is the best time of year for a fungus foray – try the woods at Springdale Farm or Croes Robert (just above Werngochen), or look out for a grassland fungi such as the colourful red, green and yellow waxcaps at New Grove Meadows and Pentwyn Farm.
What to see in Winter
The coastal reserve of Peterstone Wentlooge provides the opportunity to see internationally important populations of ducks and wading birds. Magor Marsh, with its large pond, is also a good bird watching site.
Monmouthshire’s woodlands, such as Strawberry Cottage Wood, full of gnarled tree trunks encrusted with mosses and liverworts, also have a special charm in winter.
