About the reserve

About the Reserve

Sandwiched between the villages of Shirenetwon and Mynydd Bach, this small gem of a nature reserve offers a haven for wildlife and people alike. The reserve supports a rich mix of habitats, with beautiful meadows, scattered trees and pockets of woodland, and a small stream running through its heart.

Each of the four grassland areas has a distinct feel, with influences from underlying soils and water giving rise to a diverse and colourful display, seen at its peak in summer. Familiar wildflowers can be found in abundance, with Common Knapweed, Bird’s-foot Trefoils, Hay Rattle and Tormentil putting on a good show. Wet flushes and streams bring further interest, with marshy grassland species such as Devil’s-bit Scabious, Water-mint, Ragged Robin and tussocks of Purple Moor-grass. A curious patch of Hairy Lady’s-mantle can be found in the northeast of the reserve, for those with a keen eye for botany.

With its wide array of plants and habitats the reserve is alive with insects, with butterflies such as Meadow Brown and Marbled White, hoverflies, bumblebees, grasshoppers and crickets all commonly seen. A wander through the reserve will reveal layers of birdsong erupting from bramble and scrub, as a variety of tit, finch and warbler species such as Whitethroat abound.

Directions:

By Car

From Chepstow take the B4235 north-west to Mynydd-bach, turn left at the cross-roads  signposted Shirenewton just before the Huntsman Hotel at Ditch Hill Lane.  Carry on up this road and about half way along on the left hand side you will see the public footpath sign to enter the path that leads to the Reserve. In order to park carry on until another cross roads where you can turn right along the Earlswood Road and park in the Recreation Ground car park just up the road on the left. 

By foot

Access to the Reserve can be found via the public footpath that runs through the site at both the southern end from Ditch Hill Lane, and northern end from Old School Hill between the villages of Shirenewton and Mynydd Bach.

Near the Reserve:

Gwent Wildlife Trusts Piercefield Woods and Brockwells Meadows Reserves are a short drive away.

Nearby attractions include the impressive Chepstow Castle and the Caerwent Roman remains and fascinating museum.