Wildlife at Symonds Yat Rock
Wye Valley Woods
Wye Valley
Gloucestershire
England
Coleford is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SO564160
Lots to see and do at the internationally famous viewpoint. Nearby cliffs are the nesting place of peregrine falcons that soar above the valley of the River Wye 120m below. It is also the site of an Iron Age hill fort.
Mammals: Fallow deer can be glimpsed in the surrounding woodlands, most likely in the early morning or dusk. Badgers are to be found in most of the woodland compartments and foxes abound too. Otters have been sighted on nearby stretches of the River Wye, this river flows beneath the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint. Dormice have also been recorded in the area. We have information about Fallow deer, Badger and Otter
Birds: Peregrines have nested in the limestone cliffs of Coldwell Rocks in the Forest of Dean for the past 20 years. The crevices in the rock face are also ideal nesting sites for other birds such as ravens and jackdaws. From the viewing point on Symonds Yat Rock you can enjoy watching the Peregrine Falcons while they hunt and raise their young from April to August each year. Other birds of prey such as Goshawks and Buzzards can also be seen here.
Insects and reptiles: Grass snakes and Adders can occasionally be seen basking in the sunlit clearings. Dragonflies and damselflies frequent the banks of the River Wye, including the White-legged damselfly. Holly Blue butterflies and the Hummingbird Hawkmoth can sometimes be seen during the summer from the viewing point. We have information about Adder
Habitats: Symonds Yat Rock is situated in the Upper Wye Gorge, Site of Special Scientific Interest, and due to its European importance is a Special Area of Conservation. One reason for this designation is the community of nationally rare Lime and Yew woodland. The nearby Mailscot Woods are a mosaic of broadleaf and conifer trees, providing a variety of wildlife habitats.
How to get there:
From the A40 at Monmouth take the A4136 towards Gloucester. At the Pike House crossroads turn left and proceed into Christchurch, take the B4432 left hand fork opposite the church and follow the signposts to Symonds Yat Rock.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)
Facilities:
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Refreshment cabin is open daily during the summer, from 10am to 4pm. Restricted opening times in the winter. |
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Parking charge is £3.00 per day. This ticket is valid on the day of purchase at Mallards Pike Lake, Symonds Yat, Pedalabikeaway and Beechenhurst Lodge. Season tickets are available for £15.00 from the Forestry Commission office - tel 01594 833057 or Forest Connections at Beechenhurst Lodge - tel 01594 822612. |
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Activities
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Educational activities can be arranged through our ranger service. |
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Other places to go in Wye Valley WoodsTidenham CarparkBiblins
Contact:
Recreation Ranger
01594 833057
e-mail: dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
What's of interest
The Peregrine Viewing Point is a partnership project run by the Forestry Commission and RSPB. RSPB staff and volunteers are on hand with telescopes to view the Peregrines from April until August.
For more than 200 years visitors have come to the area to view its picturesque landscape. Wordsworth and his friends came to the Wye Valley as part of their grand tour.
Did you know
The Peregrine is the fastest bird in the world. The birds pair for several years and raise broods of up to four young. They live on medium-sized birds such as wood pigeons, starlings and thrushes, caught in flight.
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