Lower Hael Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
View of the wood from the English side of River Wye
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| Area of Search | Monmouthshire |
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| Coordinates | 51°45′51″N 2°40′49″W / 51.7643°N 2.6802°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 17.6 hectares (0.176 km2; 0.0680 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1981 |
Lower Hael Wood is a special forest in Monmouthshire, south east Wales. It is known for its amazing plants and animals. This wood is called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its important nature.
Lower Hael Wood is part of a bigger forest area called the Hael Woods. It sits right next to the River Wye. This river forms the border between Wales and England.
Contents
A Look Back in Time: History of Lower Hael Wood
People have lived and worked in the Lower Hael Wood area for a very long time.
Ancient Discoveries
Scientists have found signs of early humans here. They discovered Bronze Age barrows. These are ancient burial mounds, like small hills, built by people thousands of years ago.
Early Industries
The wood was also a place for early industries. There was once a grist mill on the southern side. A grist mill is a building where grain was ground into flour. People also dug for stone here in quarries.
Where is Lower Hael Wood?
Lower Hael Wood is a special place covering about 17.6-hectare (43-acre). That's like 25 football fields! It was officially named an SSSI in 1981.
Location Details
The wood is in the community of Trellech United. It sits right on the banks of the River Wye. It's about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south-east of the town of Monmouth. Another special forest, Graig Wood, is about 0.5 miles (0.80 km) to the north.
Who Looks After the Wood?
The Forestry Commission owns and manages Lower Hael Wood. They help keep the forest healthy and safe.
Exploring the Area
A popular walking path called the Wye Valley Walk goes along the edge of the wood. This path follows the River Wye and the border with England. It's a great way to see the beautiful scenery!
Amazing Plants and Animals
Lower Hael Wood is full of different kinds of trees, plants, and animals. It's part of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means it's a very special place for nature.
Trees of the Wood
You can find many local and even rare tree species here. Some of the main trees include:
- Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
- Common beech (Fagus sylvatica)
- Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)
- Wych elm (Ulmus glabra)
- English oak (Quercus robur)
- Sessile oak (Quercus petraea)
Wildlife Living Here
Many different insects, birds, and other animals call Lower Hael Wood home.
Birds of the Forest
You might spot many birds flying around. Some of them are:
- Eurasian sparrowhawks (fast hunters!)
- Common sandpipers (often seen by the river)
- Long-tailed tits (small birds with long tails)
- Red-legged partridges
- Eurasian skylarks (known for their songs)
- Mallards (ducks often found near water)
- Greater white-fronted geese
- Meadow and tree pipits
Other Animals
While many animals live here, the most common amphibian found is the common frog.
