Lower Minnetts Field

Lower Minnetts Field

Lauri MacLean

This small hay meadow is an oasis of light and colour hidden amongst the dense woodland.

Location

Minnetts Lane
Rogiet
Caldicot
Gwent

OS Map Reference

ST 449 888
A static map of Lower Minnetts Field

Know before you go

Size
1 hectare
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

You can use the car park for the nearby Natural Resources Wales’ Slade Woods (grid ref ST 449 890).

Grazing animals

Livestock

Walking trails

A footpath leads across the meadow.

Access

The hay meadow is flat but uneven in places. Access is via a kissing gate on Minnetts Lane and a further gate leads from the meadow into neighbouring Slade Woods (owned by Natural Resources Wales). The reserve is grazed at certain times of year.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring and summer

About the reserve

This hay meadow may be small but it is packed with plants, with over 60 different species recorded. Nearly every colour is present, with masses of bright white oxeye daisies, the rich yellows of agrimony and cowslips as well as a swathe of the deep pinks and purples of common spotted-orchids, betony and fragrant wild marjoram. In summer, the air flutters with butterflies and moths, feeding on the flowers.

The looming trees and tangle of mature hedgerows that encircle the meadow provides refuge for small mammals and birds, while the woodlands beyond are home to charismatic birds such as hawfinches, crossbills and spotted flycatchers.

Directions
By car
From the B4245 in Rogiet, turn into Minnetts Lane, opposite Station Road (signposted 'Severn Tunnel Junction railway station'). Pass under the motorway and continue along Minnetts Lane. Approximately 600m after passing Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Rogiet Poorland reserve on your right, you’ll see the signed entrance to Lower Minnetts Field on your left. Continue past the reserve entrance for just over 100m to the car park for Natural Resources Wales’ Slade Woods.

Walk back along Minnetts Lane to enter the reserve.

Near the reserve
Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Rogiet Poorland reserve is a short walk away. Exit Lower Minnetts Field onto the road and travel south down Minnetts Lane. Rogiet Poorland is approximately 600m down the lane on the left. Brockwells Meadows and Magor Marsh are a short journey away.

Slade Woods has a very good diversity of woodland wildlife and a network of footpaths. Historical interest in the wider area is provided by Roman remains at Caerwent, and Caldicot Castle and Country Park.

 

Contact us

Gwent Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01600 740358
Contact email: info@gwentwildlife.org

Environmental designation

County Wildlife Site