The Hudnalls NNR
The Hudnalls NNR is a woodland occupying a prominent position on the eastern side of the Wye Valley gorge.
County: Gloucestershire
Main habitats: Woodland
Area: 30 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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The Hudnalls is part of the Wye Valley Woodland SAC.
The woodland at The Hudnalls looks naturalistic and unmanaged. There are few paths and in-between these the going is across rough terrain and boulder fields. The wood has been left for natural processes to take place. All around are large mature trees and above the sky is almost completely obscured by the canopy. Occasionally there are small clearings formed where one or more trees have died or been blown over by the wind. Here a pool of light penetrates the canopy.
Sometimes the fallen tree will still be partly rooted to the ground and will sprout from its base or from its’ branches where they touch the ground. These areas are full of lush young growth forming a mostly impenetrable tangle of brambles and young saplings all racing for the light.
Towards the southern end of the Reserve are several streams and waterfalls surrounded by tall trees creating dark, damp, shady areas full of damp loving species.
In the spring there are areas carpeted with spring flowers such as wild garlic. Elsewhere are beech dominated areas were the dead leaves crunch under your feet as you walk amongst groves of holly.
Man's past is evident across the reserve by the network of walls forming small enclosures and the remains of rudimentary dwellings showing that this wooded common was once settled for a period of time. Simple interpretation indicates how they would have been used.
On top of these walls are precariously balanced pollarded trees looking as if they are growing out of the rock itself.
On the lower section of the footpath which runs from north east to south west across the reserve is an impressive row of large pollarded trees atop a wall made of some very large blocks.
Visit in spring for the wildflowers or any other time of year to see the naturalistic looking woodland.
The reserve provides an interesting look at past settlements all year round.
The paths throughout the reserve are used by the local community to walk dogs or exercise and various woodland study groups come to observe the effects of the unmanaged woodland at organised events.
The Gloucestershire National Nature Reserves can be found on flickr.com, for photos, news, wildlife information, management and lots more.
Location and access
The Hudnalls is approximately 3.0Km south west of St Briavels.
All access to the Reserve is by foot only and some of the terrain is very steep and rocky underfoot.
Regular bus services link the local area to St Briavels Common.
Offas Dyke National Trail runs nearby . Public and permissive footpaths cross the reserve. The rest of the reserve is dedicated ‘Open Access’ land.
It is possible to gain access to the bottom (west) of the reserve on foot via public footpaths along the fields by the banks of the River Wye.
The nearest parking is at Brockweir.
Facilities
There are no facilities at the reserve.
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages.
Interpretation panels are available for visitor information.
