A flat, limestone, terrace built to buttress an embankment of the A40 which now supports a wide range of wildlife. 

Species

Unusual limestone grassland plants are found hear including yellow-wort, ploughman's spikenard, bee and pyramidal orchids and wild onions.  The young woodland furthest from the entrance supports wood spurge with a patch of wild daffodil on the slope above.

There is a rich diversity of insect life including large numbers of six spot burnet moths.  Butterflies include common blue, marbled white and dingy skipper.  Adders can sometimes be seen basking in the sun.  The site is just above the River Wye so species such as the rare white legged damselfly are seen. 

Location

From Monmouth, take the A40 north toward Ross-on-Wye.  After 2 miles leave the dual carriageway at the Ganarew Junction.  Follow this road back over the dual carriageway bridge and rejoin the southbound A40.  After three quarters of a mile turn left onto a small slip road just before going under a bridge.  Pak at the reserve entrance, there is limited parking for 2 cars.

The reserve can also be reached on foot by taking the "Wye Valley Walk" along the west back of the river Wye from the Wye Bridge in Monmouth.  The reserve lies about a mile along the path up a steep flight of steps.

Grid Reference: 

SO 525149

Access

A flat grassland but steep steps up from the Wye Valley walk.