This ancient upland oak wood contains pockets of silver birch and a hazel understory. Lower down the slope, ash becomes more frequent, and there is a stand of large beech trees at one point, and a scatter of fine yew trees.
Two mature specimens of one of Britain’s rarest native trees, the wild service tree, are found on the reserve. This tree has maple-like leaves which turn red in the autumn, and white flowers which turn into brown leathery fruits. In the past, it was famous for its fruits, which could be made into sweets for children or alcoholic drinks for adults.
Species
Oak woodlands represent one of the most wildlife-rich habitats found in Britain. The flora at Strawberry Cottage Wood includes slender St John's-wort, violets, yellow archangel, meadowsweet and wood melick. In the summer the pale blue flowers of the nettle-leaved bellflower, with its toothed, heart-shaped leaves, can occasionally be found.
The reserve provides an ideal habitat for woodland birds including pied flycatcher, spotted flycatcher, redstart, woodcock and all three species of British woodpecker. Of these the lesser spotted woodpecker is now a very uncommon species. You may be lucky enough to spot a sparrowhawk in pursuit of smaller birds. Grass snakes have been recorded on the reserve. Butterflies are particularly attracted to the bridleway which passes through the reserve.
Access
The reserve is reached by a footbridge. Some of the paths in the reserve are steep and they can be muddy.
Directions
From Abergavenny head north on the A465. After about 8km take the 2nd left at Llanvihangel Crucorney. Continue on this road until reaching the Skirrid Inn. Turn immediately left onto the road signposted Cwmyoy and Llanthony. After about 1.5km, on the right hand side (about 50 metres before the Stanton-Fforest Coal Pit turn-off), look out for a footbridge crossing the River Honddu. A footpath runs directly across a field from the bridge towards the wood and the reserve entrance. There is limited car parking in a small lay-by (grid ref: SO 312 215).
What to see around the reserve
The Skirrid Inn is reputed to be the oldest Public House in Wales, and its history can be traced back as far as the Norman Conquest. Llanthony Priory is one of the earliest houses of Augustinian canons to be founded in Britain. There is excellent walking country in the Brecon Beacons National Park, whilst the reserve is also located close to the Offa’s Dyke Path and the Three Castles Walk. Cwmyoy is a small village located on the River Honddu, famous for its Medieval St Martin's Church with its leaning tower.
2011-05-04 11:33
Walking information:
The reserve is reached by a footbridge. Some of the paths in the reserve are steep and they can be muddy.
Species:
Location type:
Wildlife or nature reserve