FLORA AND FAUNA TRAIL TWO

1: CANNOP VALLEY NATURE RESERVE

This is one of the Forest Nature Reserves declared by the Forestry Commission in 1989 which covers more than 700 hectares of the Forest of Dean. Approximately 500 hectares consists of broadleaf woodlands and the remainder is much younger conifer plantations. This is the result of Lord Nelson ordering a great replanting of oak trees during the Napoleonic wars as stocks of standing timber were virtually non-existent. These are referred to as 'Napoleonic oaks'.

Alder occurs along the important wetland margins of the Cannop Brook, within semi-natural woodland that has many fallen trees. This in turn provides a rich habitat for insects and fungi. The Forest Nature Reserve has a particularly rich epiphytic flora where one plant grows on another and the old oak here supports some rare examples.

There are also many types of interesting wild flowers here, including wood sorrel, bluebells, heath spotted orchid and broadleaved helleborine. Foxgloves germinate after a clearfell, but as the trees close their canopy they gradually disappear.

2: CANNOP PONDS

Two man-made ponds were formed in the early 19th century by damming the Cannop Brook to provide water power for the iron works at Parkend. The iron works were closed in 1908 but the ponds remain as an attractive habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. The ponds provide wetland habitats for wildlife, including many species of dragonfly for which the Forest is renowned. The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has a wetland reserve at the northern end of the Cannop Ponds, which includes alder carr, old oaks, and some industrial remains.

3: RUSSELL'S INCLOSURE

Russell's Inclosure has a rich history, with a mixture of trees and various wildlife habitats. You may catch a glimpse of all three native woodpeckers - greater spotted, lesser spotted and green. The stoat and the wood mouse also have a home in the inclosure.

4: NAGSHEAD NATURE RESERVE

The Nagshead Nature Reserve is jointly managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Forest Enterprise. Nature reserves are intended to protect particularly sensitive, important or threatened flora and fauna. Within this reserve, there are fine specimens of broadleaved trees. The site which is freely open to all who wish to visit, is excellent for birds as well as a wide variety of insects and bats in a 750 acre reserve.

In 1942, a pilot scheme was started which has lead to over 400 nestboxes on the reserve today. There are also spectacular bluebells in May.

5: MALLARDS PIKE

Mallards Pike consists of two lakes which were constructed by the Forestry Commission and are now a popular picnic site. There is plenty of wildlife to watch to here. It is also the site for the Go Ape! High Wire Adventure Course.

6: WENCHFORD

The overgrown stream and marshy area here is typical of many such sites within the Forest of Dean which have been left to nature. Sallow and alder dominate the scene and beneath their tangled branches flourish various moisture loving plants. There are mature oaks here which are approximately 200 years old and have been left standing among the younger trees to provide a landscape feature visible from several parts of the forest. The oak provides the food and shelter for many insects, fungi, mosses and lichen as well as birds and mammals. Blackpool Brook also offers good conditions for many species of wildlife.

7: SOUDLEY PONDS

Soudley Ponds is a series of five ponds which were constructed in the 1890's for fishing purposes. The ponds at Soudley have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by English Nature because of the dragonflies and beetles that breed there. Dabchicks, moorhens, coots, mandarins and tufted duck all frequent the ponds. The floor of the surrounding woodlands displays a carpet of bluebells in spring and fox gloves in early summer. The walk around the ponds is suitable for the less able person. In the summer time, the yellow Iris, which is common in this area adds a splash of colour. You can also see the flower at the Dean Heritage Centre Pond, which is located at Soudley where you will also find a Nature Cabin, home to ants and bees!

8: LINEAR PARK, CINDERFORD

Linear Park was created in 1994 and consists of a two-mile stretch of former wasteland. A chain of ponds of various shapes and sizes has been developed which has attracted dragonflies to an area already inhabited by birds, butterflies and reptiles.

9: SPEECH HOUSE AND ARBORETUM

The Speech House is located in the centre of The Forest of Dean, and today it is a hotel. It is the most famous building within the Forest of Dean and was built by Charles II in 1676, for use as a 'Verderers Court'. The court still operates today and is one of the oldest courts in Europe. Nearby is the arboretum, a collection of rare specimen trees. It was started by the famous plant collector, E H Wilson in 1910 with seeds brought back from China. Today there are over 200 specimens of trees and shrubs.

10: NEW FANCY

New Fancy was once the site of the New Fancy Coal Mine, which commands wide views over the Forest. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of raptors flying above the woodlands. This site has picnic benches and it is a perfect spot to relax, whatever the season.