Priory Grove - Monmouth

Site Description

Priory Grove occupies a ridge running north-east, parallel to the river Wye, together with a secluded stream valley behind the hill. It forms part of a striking landscape within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is clearly visible from the A40 and the A4236. Pedestrian access to the site is via a network of public and permissive footpaths which can be reached from the A4236, but more easily from Hadnock road, a minor public road between the woods and the river.

The site almost entirely supports ancient woodland, most of which is semi-natural, with oak, beech, ash and birch dominant. Wild cherry, small-leaved lime, hazel, willow and aspen are also significant. A small area has been planted with sweet chestnut and there is a block of planted larch (the only secondary woodland) at the north-eastern end of the site. The woodland is largely mature high forest in character with much evidence of past coppicing (including a large number of charcoal hearths). Younger coppice and coppice with standards (cut since 1990) are present at the southern end. The woodland supports a notable dormouse population.

Almost all of Priory Grove is included within the Fiddlers Elbow Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and National Nature Reserve (NNR) and is part of a more extensive Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The designated interest is the broadleaved semi-natural woodland habitat, which includes European and UK priority types of ash and beech woodland (Tilio-Acerion and Asperulo-Fagetum types).

Fallow deer are present and currently appear to be having a significant impact on tree and shrub regeneration at the site.

The key features of the site are:

The ancient semi-natural woodland;

The planted ancient woodland which can be restored to native ancient woodland;

The veteran beech stools and stubs;

The secondary woodland which can be managed from a conifer plantation towards native woodland.

Informal public access.