Cwm Clydach/Clydach Gorge National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The Cwm Clydach NNR near Gilwern, lies in a steep limestone gorge through which the fast-flowing River Clydach passes, creating a number of attractive waterfalls. The beech trees found in Cwm Clydach are on the western edge of their range in the UK. Although the woodland at Cwm Clydach is made up mainly of beech, sessile oak, ash and yew can also be found in the area, and on the steeper slopes and limestone outcrops there are rare whitebeam trees. Unusual plants in the reserve include the rare bird’s-nest orchid, soft-leaved sedge oak fern and yellow bird’s nest. In autumn, wonderful displays of fungi cover the woodland floor, including rose spindle, rosy pinkgill, giant club, olive earthtongue, the rare parasitic powdercap strangler and various coral fungi. Cwm Clydach NNR is also a good place to see birds, and both the green and the great spotted woodpecker occur here. The area is also good for birds of prey, and you may catch sight of sparrowhawks, buzzards, kestrels and various owls.

Location

Michaelstone-y-Fedw

About the area

The area of Newport neighbours Monmouthshire and is home to a cathedral city of the very same name again. Situated 12 miles from Cardiff, on the mouth of the River Usk, the Normans built a castle here.

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Cwm Clydach/Clydach Gorge National Nature Reserve

Michaelstone-y-Fedw

0300 065 3000

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Cwm Clydach/Clydach Gorge National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

The Cwm Clydach NNR near Gilwern, lies in a steep limestone gorge through which the fast-flowing River Clydach passes, creating a number of attractive waterfalls. The beech trees found in Cwm Clydach are on the western edge of their range in the UK. Although the woodland at Cwm Clydach is made up mainly of beech, sessile oak, ash and yew can also be found in the area, and on the steeper slopes and limestone outcrops there are rare whitebeam trees. Unusual plants in the reserve include the rare bird’s-nest orchid, soft-leaved sedge oak fern and yellow bird’s nest. In autumn, wonderful displays of fungi cover the woodland floor, including rose spindle, rosy pinkgill, giant club, olive earthtongue, the rare parasitic powdercap strangler and various coral fungi. Cwm Clydach NNR is also a good place to see birds, and both the green and the great spotted woodpecker occur here. The area is also good for birds of prey, and you may catch sight of sparrowhawks, buzzards, kestrels and various owls.

Location

Michaelstone-y-Fedw

About the area

Area image

The area of Newport neighbours Monmouthshire and is home to a cathedral city of the very same name again. Situated 12 miles from Cardiff, on the mouth of the River Usk, the Normans built a castle here.

Explore Newport

Michaelstone-Y-Fedw Newport Things To Do in Newport