Get closer to nature in spring

Watch Red Kites soaring over the mountains around Abergavenny. Enjoy the cacophony of birdsong at Piercefield Woods, near Chepstow. Marvel at the thousands of orchids on display at Pentwyn Farm, Penallt. These are just some of the natural joys to be experienced on a spring visit to Monmouthshire.

You’re never far from one of Gwent Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, including Strawberry Cottage Wood near Llanvihangel Crucorney and Priory Wood (below) near Bettws Newydd. Spring is also a time for the Chepstow Walking Festival, which has been organising interesting walks across the county every April for many years.

(Priory Wood - Lowri Watkins for Gwent Wildlife Trust)

Spring is an exciting season in this rural county. It’s the time when you may spot the Goshawk’s dramatic sky-dance, as the females and males swoop and dive in courtship. A rather secretive bird which was locally extinct in the 19th century, the Goshawk is becoming a more regular sight in the Wye Valley. The arrival of the Cuckoo (which migrates north from Africa) is a sure sign that spring is here. Listen out for its distinctive call from April onwards at Magor Marsh. At this nature reserve, which has a bird hide and a pond, the reens and ditches are alive with the calls of Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and the elusive Cetti’s Warbler. You might even spot water voles (below), which are doing very well following their re-introduction over a decade ago.

(Water Vole at Magor Marsh - Andy Karran for Gwent Wildlife Trust)

Llandegfedd Lake, near Usk, is another gorgeous destination for a spring day out, with panoramic views to be had from the lakeside café and the bird hides. Follow one of the walking trails through woodlands and meadows for the chance to spot Chiffchaffs, Swallows and Swifts who return here every spring. Look out for baby rabbits and squirrels, and bug hotels and bird boxes in the trees. On the lake, you’ll see young birds such as Canada Geese, Coots and Moorhens, and at the water’s edge by the pontoon, you’re likely to find frog and toad spawn.

(People on bench overlooking Llandegfedd Lake & visitor centre)

Once a hunting ground for Chepstow Castle, Wentwood Forest is criss-crossed with paths which you can explore on foot or by bike. It is the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales, and is teaming with wildlife. Listen to the chorus of birdsong, keep your eyes peeled for a deer, and appreciate (from a distance) the wood ants’ nests - mounds that stand 3-4 ft tall!

(Bluebells at Wentwood Forest - Callum Baker for Southern Wales)

On a hillside near Abergavenny, a new area of woodland is being planted. It’s part of the One Life One Tree project, where people are encouraged to pay for a Sequoia tree to be planted in order to capture their lifetime’s carbon footprint. For every Sequoia that is planted, the project also plants three native trees to promote biodiversity.

Choose to stay in a self-catering property in a rural location, and you’ll have nature on your doorstep. Beacon Park Cottages’ canalside properties near Abergavenny, are in an idyllic location, surrounded by woodlands full of birdsong. What a place to wake up on International Dawn Chorus Day (in 2023 that’s 7th May)! It’s not unusual to spot Herons going fishing in the canal and Red Kites soaring overhead. If you take a break in Dry Dock Cottage, the friendly ducks can paddle right up to your open door.

(The canalside Dry Dock Cottage - Beacon Park Cottages)

Further south on the canal is Goytre Hall Wood which is carpeted with bluebells and wild daffodils in the spring. Take a walk along the footpaths through trees, and you’ll see nest boxes used by Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches and, occasionally, Pied Flycatchers. Listen out for the distinctive spring 'drumming' sounds of the Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Many cottages in Monmouthshire have gorgeous gardens which attract wildlife, including Tintern Abbey Cottage complete with new bird and bat boxes in the trees, and the aptly named Foxes Reach near Tintern. At Clare’s Cottage (below) near Chepstow the breakfast table looks out onto the bird feeding area, and there’s a pair of binoculars for you to get a closer view of the wildlife that visit this organic garden. Check out all our accommodation to find the perfect place for your nature-filled spring break.

(The garden at Clare's Cottage in Spring)

Thanks to Gwent Wildlife Trust for their images & information.