Graig Wood

Graig Wood
Site of Special Scientific Interest

View towards wood over other side of River Wye
Location within Monmouthshire
Area of Search Monmouthshire
Grid reference SO533087
Coordinates 51°46′31″N 2°40′39″W / 51.7754°N 2.6776°W / 51.7754; -2.6776Coordinates: 51°46′31″N 2°40′39″W / 51.7754°N 2.6776°W / 51.7754; -2.6776
Interest Biological
Area 14.3 hectares (0.143 km2; 0.0552 sq mi)
Notification 1981 (1981)

Graig Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), noted for its biological characteristics, in Monmouthshire, south east Wales.[1] It forms part of the wider Hael Woods complex.

Geography

The 14.3-hectare (35-acre) SSSI, notified in 1981, is located within the community of Trellech United, on the banks of the River Wye, 3 miles (4.8 km) south-east of the town of Monmouth. It is 0.5 miles (0.80 km) north of another SSSI, Lower Hael Wood.[2][3]

The wood is jointly owned and managed by Gwent Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission.[4]

Wildlife and ecology

As with other woodland in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Graig Wood contains many local and rare tree species. The predominant species within the wood are ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra), although other species present include black alder (Alnus glutinosa), common beech (Fagus sylvatica) and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata).[1]

The stream banks and old buildings within the wood are home to rich bryophyte colonies. Hart's-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) and snowdrops (Galanthus) also grow on the site.[1][5]

Dormice have been reported within the woodland.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Graig Wood" (pdf). Countryside Council for Wales. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "Graig Wood map" (pdf). Countryside Council for Wales. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  3. ↑ Ordnance Survey: Explorer map sheet OL14 Wye Valley & Forest of Dean ISBN 9780319240953
  4. ↑ "Graig Wood". Countryside Council for Wales. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  5. 1 2 "Gwent Wildlife Trust's Nature Reserves" (PDF). Gwent Wildlife Trust. p. 25. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
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