Monmouth
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
31.57 ha (78.01 acres)
Grid reference:
SO526139
Map reference:
Explorer 14
OS Landranger 162
Set in a striking landscape on a prominent ridge within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Priory Grove is predominantly ancient woodland with wonderful views of the River Wye.
Visit for swathes of bluebell in spring, a population of the rare hazel dormouse, abundant bird life and a diverse selection of colourful flora.
Priory Grove, which is 31 hectares (78 acres) in size, is located parallel to the River Wye near Monmouth.
Priory Grove can be reached via the A40 to Monmouth, turning left at the lights after the roundabout onto the A466, and passing immediately over the River Wye.
Take the first exit at the first mini roundabout and again at the second. Continue along Hadnock Road for approximately 1km (just over half a mile), where there is limited parking available in a lay-by on the left and in another car park located at the start of the cycleway/track that leads to The Biblins.
The entrance to Priory Grove is approximately 200 metres further on, on the right. The main public entrance is at the southern end of the site.
The nearest train stations are Lydney, around 23km (14 miles) away, and Abergavenny, around 29km (18 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
Priory Grove can be reached by the Monmouth to Staunton 722 bus which can be requested to stop at the end of Hadnock Road, opposite the Mayhill public house.
Visit Traveline Cymru for more information.
The main public entrance is at the southern end of Priory Grove where there is an information board. The wood can also be entered via public and permissive footpaths running through the site and connecting with the A4136 Staunton Road.
Although some steep gradients may pose restrictions for some visitors, a waymarked route with benches, leaning rails and information boards was completed in 2000 as part of the Gwefr y Coed (Wild About Woods) project, supported by the Millennium Festival Fund.
There is limited parking available on Hadnock Road. Either park in the lay-by on the left, or in the car park at the start of the cycleway/track that leads to The Biblins.
There are two sets of public toilets in Monmouth, close to the old bridge and behind Agincourt Square.
Priory Grove is home to a population of dormice. Roe and fallow deer are also known to forage throughout the area, and a wide variety of bird species, including the tawny owl, sparrowhawk and great spotted woodpecker, can be seen on the wing here.
Look out for:
Enjoy the spectacular display of bluebells, lords-and-ladies and wood anemones in the spring. These woodland favourites are joined by greater woodrush, primrose and hart’s-tongue fern, providing a sprinkling of colour throughout the wood.
Look out for:
Predominantly made up of ancient woodland, Priory Grove provides a range of habitats for wildlife.
Explore:
This wood is just one of many to have been protected by gifts in wills, securing it for generations to come. Your legacy gift could also make a real difference to woods, trees and wildlife.
Learn what your gift could mean
Listen to our Woodland Walks podcast series with host Adam Shaw and special guests.
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Visiting woods
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Visiting woods
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