Wildlife at Tidenham Carpark
Wye Valley Woods
Wye Valley
Gloucestershire
England
Chepstow is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: SU559994
Combined with the adjacent Poor's allotment SSSI, this is easily Gloucestershire's largest heathland site. It is one of several exciting heathland restoration projects in the Forest of Dean carried out by the Forestry Commission.
Mammals: Rabbits are present on the site and assist in maintaining the heathland vegetation.
Birds: The nationally rare nightjar breeds here with two males seen in recent years. The characteristic chirring call can be heard in the evenings from mid May to late summer. Stonechat can be seen throughout the year and sometimes breed. Other interesting birds during the summer include Hobby, Woodcock, Yellowhammer and Linnet. During the winter, Snipe and Reed Bunting are present. Recently the site hosted an over-wintering Little Bunting, the first ever for Gloucestershire. We have information about Nightjar
Insects and reptiles: Smooth Newt can be found in the ponds on site, the waters are also patrolled by dragonflies, including the locally rare Black Darter, at it's only Gloucestershire site. The Green Tiger Beetle can be seen flying up from the bare soils from early spring through the summer. Common Lizards, Grass snakes and Adders are also present. Butterflies include the Green Hairstreak and Grizzled Skipper. We have information about Adder
Habitats: The dry and wet heathland habitats are managed by spring and summer grazing by cattle and sheep. Livestock used are rare breeds, namely Hebridean sheep, Gloucester and White Park cattle. We have information about Lowland heath
How to get there:
Follow the B4228 from Chepstow towards Coleford. Tidenham carpark is on the left hand side after you have passed the turning to the village of Boughspring.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)
Facilities:
Activities
Other places to go in Wye Valley WoodsSymonds Yat RockBiblins
Contact:
Recreation Ranger
01594 833057
e-mail: dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
What's of interest
The evocative chirring of the Nightjar on a summers evening can be combined with a visit to the nearby Offa's Dyke Path and views over the Bristol Channel.
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