Usk and Wye - Beacon Hill - Ray Armstrong
Creating a wildlife-rich patchwork of interconnected habitats where species can move freely through the landscape
The Vale of Usk and the lower Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are popular tourist destinations, not only for their historic monuments but also for their beautiful landscapes. The Rivers Usk and Wye are both designated as Special Areas of Conservation, giving them European importance for their migratory fish populations.
Fragments of species-rich meadows and ancient woodland that were once widespread remain scattered across the landscape, with two significant areas of ancient woodland centred around Wentwood and along the Wye Valley.
This scheme will reconnect and restore a network of semi-natural habitats to create a landscape that is good for people as well as wildlife, providing a rich array of resources that we need and value.
Virtual tour by Mike McFarlane
What's happening?
Gwent Wildlife Trust's flagship nature reserve at Pentwyn Farm lies at the north-eastern edge of the scheme area. In 2008 the Trust purchased Wyeswood Common, a large dairy farm lying adjacent to the reserve, demonstrating best practice land management for wildlife conservation and restoration.
Seven additional nature reserves are managed for wildlife in the area and open to all to visit.
We run a Living Churchyards Project working with local communities to manage their churchyards for wildlife.
We have been working with over 300 landowners providing surveys and advice through our Local Wildlife Sites work.
The Gwent Orchards Project is surveying and mapping orchards, and providing advice to landowners.
Start date: 2008
Trust reserves within the scheme
Margarets Wood, Pentwyn Farm, Wyeswood Common, Springdale Farm, Prisk Wood, Cuhere Wood, Beacon Hill, Brockwells Meadows
This scheme is helping species including...
Dormouse, lesser horseshoe bat, tree sparrow and Welsh daffodil.
Current threats to the landscape
Agricultural intensification, development, overgrazing and non-native species.
This scheme is also...
Helping wildlife adapt to climate change, providing habitat for pollinating insects, providing volunteering opportunities and skills training.
Partners
Forestry Commission, Ministry of Defence, local authorities, local landowners, Woodland Trust, Monmouthshire Environment Partnership Board
To find out more
Email: info@gwentwildlife.org | Tel: 01600 740600 | Usk to Wye
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 Adam Cormack.JPG)
