Prisk Wood consists of overgrown coppice with some large trees.  It contains abandoned millstone quarry workings cut from quartz conglomerate.  Lime trees appear to have been used as boundary markers.

Species

Tree species include oak, ash, elm, hazel and sycamore with some fine small-leaved lime.  A rich and diverse field layer showing affinity for ancient woodlands such as wood anemone and wood sorrel, herb paris and yellow archangel.  All three species of British woodpecker are found plus records of goshawk, sparrowhawk, buzzard, tawny owl woodcock, redstart, spotted and pied flycatcher.  There is evidence of dormice and fallow deer are often seen.

Location

From Monmouth leave on the B4293 signposted to Trellech and Mitchel Troy.  Approximately 1 mile from Monmouth take the left fork signposted Trellech, Penallt and Chepstow.  Continue along the B4293 up the hill for 2 miles and take the left turning signposted Penallt.  Follow this road for c 1.5 miles to the crossroads in Penallt village.  Go straight across and down Lone Lane.  Look for a bridleway signposted Glyn Road on the left, the reserve is 100m past this on the right.

Grid Reference

SO 532090

Access

There are rough paths in the wood.  The ground can be very uneven in areas that have been quarried.