FLORA AND FAUNA TRAIL ONE

1: DYMOCK / KEMPLEY

The countryside within this area is unspoilt and has been famous for its wild daffodils for many centuries. Poets such as John Masefield and the American Robert Frost have written about the daffodils which may be enjoyed by the circular Daffodil Way. The leaflet can be obtained from the Newent or Coleford Tourist Information Centre. The rides and paths within these walks reveal glades of daffodils under oak and beech trees. The Forestry Commission have designated Forest Trails which start at Queens Wood picnic site. After the wild daffodil season, a quite different flora follows into the summer.

The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Reserves at Betty Daws Wood and Gwen & Vera's Fields are renowned for their spectacular display of wild daffodils. The oak woodland at Betty Daws also contains a wealth of shrubs and wild flowers, and many birds and butterflies breed here.

2: NEWENT LAKE

Why not enjoy a wander around Newent Lake, where extensive improvements to the lake have recently been undertaken. There is access to the whole waterside area, and the area around the lake, where one can now view trees and wild flowers, has been beautifully landscaped. Peacock Brook can also be seen from here.

The lake was once a series of fish ponds belonging to the Priory in Newent until it was enlarged as the ornamental lake of Newent Court. It is peacefully located in the town itself and provides perfect refuge for a break for shopping!

3: MAY HILL

May Hill lies three miles south west of Newent, and is Gloucestershire most identifiable hill. It is clearly distinctive by its clump of trees on top which were planted to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and is partly owned by the National Trust. The hill was once the scene of May Day games where young people from Newent and the surrounding area would meet in mock battle when the coming of Summer triumphed over the continuance of Winter.

At a height of 971 feet, it thus exceeds any hill in the Dean. You can look out over the Lower Severn Valley, the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills and the plain of Hereford whilst enjoying a leisurely stroll over the land.

4: THE RIVER SEVERN

The River Severn meets the River Wye at Chepstow. It has shaped and moulded the history and scenery through which it flows. It contrasts with the Wye. It has a wide estuary narrowing as it reaches Gloucester city. The River Severn is internationally known for the 'Severn Bore', a natural phenomenon occurring around the time of the spring and autumn equinox. A particularly good viewpoint is at the village of Minsterworth. It is a river which is an important area for wildlife, and has been traditionally fished for salmon and eels, as well as their young eels or 'elvers'.

5: TIDENHAM CHASE

Tidenham Chase consists of old Broadleaved woodlands on the valley sides, while on the plateau is a mixture of farmland, plantations and relict heathland. Some of the old woodland that makes up this forest consists of sweet chestnut. The eastern side, on either side of the Coleford-Chepstow road, is planted with coniferous crops, mainly larch. Tidenham Chase is the highest point of the woodlands and stands at 700 feet above sea level.

The Offa's Dyke path runs through the Chase, marking the old frontier between England and Wales. Foxes roam freely through the area, although the deer that gave the Chase its title are now limited to fallow species.

6: THE RIVER WYE

The lower Wye Valley journeys from Hereford to Chepstow, separating the borders between England and South Wales. In 1971, it was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) due to the landscape being of national importance and therefore requires extra special protection. The area is mainly wooded and harbours several rare species of insects and plants. The Wye and its surrounding riverbanks are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and it is one of only a few rivers in the UK to have been awarded this special designation. The river is unique in having high water quality along its entire length and is therefore host to a variety of wildlife, and the salmon fisheries are highly regarded.

At any time of the year, you may see kingfishers darting across the water and swans gently gliding on the surface or sitting on the riverbank remaining oblivious to the surrounding watching eyes. In the summer months, you will encounter dragonflies and damselflies including some rare species. There are also mink on the riverside and the otter is present along many stretches, but avoids human disturbance and is rarely encountered by visitors.

7: SYMONDS YAT

Symonds Yat area extends to 35 square kilometres, which includes the famous Yat Rock, and the hamlets of Goodrich, Kerne Bridge, Whitchurch, the Doward and English Bicknor as well as Symonds Yat East and West.

This area is very well known as the home of the rare and elusive peregrine falcons which nest high up on the Coldwell Rocks. Symonds Yat Rock is a spectacular viewpoint, one of the best in Britain, and telescopes are available from April until August for a closer view. It provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Britain, and for more than 200 years, visitors have journeyed to the area to experience and appreciate the magnificence of the site. From the rock, the river can be seen to follow dramatic U bends around Huntsham and Coppet Hill to the north. In the distance, you can see across Herefordshire towards the mountains of mid Wales.

Mailscot Woods covers the valley sides of the Wye and consist of a mixture of broadleaf and conifer trees, with a variety of wildlife. The limestone cliffs form part of the SSSI site.