周辺の天然記念物・トップ13

Symonds Yat is a wonderful place to come, but even better to catch it in the autumn when the trees are in full colour, with the sun on them to make them really shine.

The Wye was voted the nation’s favourite river in 2010. It starts not far from my home town in Brecon in mid-Wales and trundles south for some 150 miles before meeting the Severn. I have forgotten how many times I have cycled it, run it and kayaked it. Simply my favourite place on earth!

Haugh Woods Butterfly Trails are two short trails that meander the ancient woodland of Haugh Woods. The trails have been set up by Forestry England to allow everyone to enjoy the numerous butterflies and moths that live here. This is an important site for UK butterflies (we are in short supply!) and this woodland gives nearly 350 hectares or 850 acres for them to breed. There are about over 600 of both species living here!

Jump off the bike and head on foot down the footpath east of the road to reach the Symonds Yat Rock. Symonds Yat Rock harbours the remnants of an Iron Age hillfort, erected roughly 2,500 years in the past. Presently, this locale stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, where traces of the fortifications endure as a series of embankments and trenches. In more contemporary times, Yat Rock and the Wye Valley have gained renown as the birthplace of British tourism. Beginning in the 18th century, they achieved popularity thanks to the efforts of Reverend William Gilpin, a trailblazer of the 'Picturesque' movement. His literary works left an indelible mark on the appeal of English landscape painting and served as inspiration for Romantic poets. Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the nation's prime spots for observing peregrine falcons. Yet, with a touch of patience, a multitude of bird species can be sighted here. Goshawks offer close-up viewing, sparrowhawks are frequent denizens nesting among the valley's trees, while soaring buzzards often grace the skies. Spring and autumn migrations frequently draw ospreys to this locale, with tawny owls occasionally spotted. Meanwhile, nearby nesting sites typically host barn owls, ravens, and kestrels.

The fourth-longest river in the UK, the Wye stretches 155 miles (250 km) from its source on Plynlimon in the Cambrian mountains to the Severn estuary. For much of its length, the Wye marks the border between England and Wales, with the lower section being designated an AONB. The Wye is important for nature conservation and recreation, but, particularly in recent years, is severely affected by pollution.

This pretty, wooded area with its network of small caves - the result of former quarrying - is a nature reserve with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Horseshoe bats and rare invertebrates such as the cave spider and hibernating herald moths make their homes within the caves.

Holy Rood Church is a pretty parish church that is synonymous with the Mordiford Dragon; the legend of which has changed with the paintings of it in the church. Holy Rood has a 12th century core with a 13th century but was largely rebuilt in 1811 after flooding. It is Grade II-listed.

Haugh Woods has 2 butterfly trails (of short distance) that provide a great route through the north and south of the woods, respectively. Good paths underfoot, and great butterfly habitat.