Gaer Wood facts for kids
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
![]() Road to Gaer Wood, with the woods at the bottom of the hill
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Area of Search | Monmouthshire |
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Coordinates | 51°44′54″N 2°46′35″W / 51.7483°N 2.7763°W |
Interest | Biological |
Area | 13.6 hectares (0.136 km2; 0.0525 sq mi) |
Notification | 1981 |
Gaer Wood is a very special forest in Monmouthshire, southeast Wales. It's known for its amazing plants and animals. Because of its unique nature, it's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected to keep its wildlife safe.
Where is Gaer Wood?
Gaer Wood covers about 13.6 hectares. That's like 33 football fields! It became an SSSI in 1981. The wood is found near Trellech United, a small community. This spot is about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Monmouth town. Even though it's special, the wood is owned by private people.
What Kind of Trees Grow Here?
Gaer Wood is part of the beautiful Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Like other woods in this area, it has many local trees. Some of these trees are quite rare. The main trees you'll find here are common ash (Fraxinus excelsior). There are also field maple (Acer campestre) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra). You might even spot some beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) in certain parts of the wood.