Things to do in Cotland, Monmouthshire

The diversity and colour of the wildflowers in these traditional hay meadows steals the show in spring and summer before giving centre stage to the autumnal hues of fungi.

Like something out of a fairytale, this stunning ancient woodland is a tranquil place to stroll among the woodland wildflowers whilst listening to the birds singing in the trees.

Sprawling oaks and towering beech trees form a beautiful mature woodland on the lower slopes of Whitebrook Valley, full of plants and woodland birds.

From sweeping views over the Monnow Valley to microcosms of plants and minibeasts living on the dry stone walls, there’s a lot to discover at this reserve.

This small reserve of broad-leaved woodland is most impressive in spring when snowdrops blanket the ground. Please note there is no public access at this time.

Pentwyn Farm has survived virtually unchanged for centuries. One of the largest areas of flower-rich grassland remaining in Gwent, it provides an opportunity to see traditional hay meadows at their best.

Set within the picturesque Wye Valley, this former dairy farm is being transformed into an intricate mosaic of habitats, rich in nature.

This atmospheric ancient woodland is the perfect spot for a tranquil walk in spring and summer, when wildflowers carpet the floor and bird song fills the air.

Slow worms warming themselves up under rocks, lizards basking on sunny gorse, woodcocks performing their 'roding' display flight at dusk and evidence of hazelnuts chewed by dormice – these reserves are peaceful and beautiful open landscapes.

Ban-y-Gor nature reserve is a secluded and mystical woodland with large ancient coppice and pollards carpeted with ferns and mosses. A single path descends via a small glade towards the River Wye.

The meadows and ancient woodland at Ridley Bottom have an undisturbed atmosphere, with old limestone hedgerows, grassland flowers and a quiet atmosphere that attracts a variety of birds.

Lancaut lies in one of the four most important woodland areas in Britain, the site is very rich in wildlife with over 350 plant species recorded and a wide range of birds around the wood and south facing cliffs such as peregrine falcon and raven. Cormorant and heron frequent the river, and occasionally a seal will pop up in the river on a spring tide. A great place with stunning iconic views from the cliffs.

Piercefield woods are the gateway to the Lower Wye Valley, stretching for over 3km along the river from near Chepstow castle in the south to Wyndcliff woods and the Eagle’s Nest in the North.

The tranquil woodland and flower-rich meadow of this reserve is a haven for wildlife and the perfect spot for lazy summer picnics.

With vast grazing pastures, hay meadows, hedgerows and secluded woodland, this reserve is rich in wildflowers, birds, bees and butterflies.

Sandwiched between the River Wye and the A40, this little gem of a grassland reserve provides a much-needed home for nature.

A great place to come to admire one of the remaining marshlands in the Forest of Dean. Cannop Bridge Marsh has a wealth of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies in the summer and is a great place to try to spot nuthatches, treecreepers, woodpeckers and reed buntings.

In spring and summer the meadows dazzle with colour from a mixture of wildflowers scarcely found elsewhere in Gwent. It’s a restful spot for a picnic or a stroll among the flowers.

A chain of reed beds close to the Severn Estuary and an important feeding and resting place for migrating birds.

This stunning ancient woodland offers peace and tranquillity and a wealth of wildlife.

Woorgreens is found in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is home to a range of wildlife that live within its marsh, lake and heath habitats. Now considered threatened, heathland once covered large areas of the Forest of Dean.In the spring and summer it's a great place to spot dragonflies and damselflies or look for reptiles. Bird life is abundant, both on the lake and the surrounding heathland and woodland edges - listen out for the sound of the cuckoo, look for shy crossbills in the woodland edges, or look for hobbies chasing dragonflies over the lake.

This small hay meadow is an oasis of light and colour hidden amongst the dense woodland.