Foxwood

Also within

Gwent County Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Cave / Cavern, Fissure · Rock Type: Sandstone

Landscape processes: Glacial, Karst

Description

Description Foxwood is of special interest for the population of the lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros that it supports. The site includes a cave system used for roosting as well as wooded foraging habitat. Foxwood is situated within Cwm Coed-y-cerrig, 7.5 km north of Abergavenny. The wooded south-east facing slopes span the altitudes between 200-300 m, with brown earth soils overlying lower Old Red Sandstone. Cwm Coed-y-cerrig has developed along the fault line of the Neath Disturbance. Associated joints and fractures within the Old Red Sandstone have subsequently opened in more recent times, resulting in rock movement and the formation of fissures. A small fissure cave system is used as a winter roost by lesser horseshoe bats, whilst smaller numbers may be present during most other months of the year. The location within woodland provides immediate proximity to good foraging habitat. This is an important factor to the survival of this small species, which forages in wooded areas and usually avoids flying in the open. The ancient semi-natural broad leaved woodland provides additional wildlife interest. Other animal species include the dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius, which is scarce in Wales. Remarks: The lesser horseshoe bat is listed on Annex IIa of the EC Habitats and Species Directive. The lesser horseshoe bat and dormouse are included on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act and Annex IVa of the EC Habitats and Species Directive. Both are Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. The site lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Species mentioned