Bird watching is a popular activity in the forest of dean and Wye Valley offering some of the best viewing opportunites in the UK for some rare species
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has abundent wildlife, birds include flycatchers, Wood peckers Buzzards can often be seen soaring above the woodland. Goshawks and Peregrine Falcons feel at home and some of the best viewing points in the UK to see them are in the Forest. Fallow Deer and sheep wander freely, more recently wild boars have been seen in the area. See the Rock Wild life sightings
Bird watchers visit Yat Rock which is famous for its Peregrine Falcons and during the summer months The RSPB set up a viewing station with telescopes and experts on hand to show you the nest and talk about the birds. Falcons flying the short distance from Symonds Yat can sometimes be seen from the Garden of the Rock B&B
About 4 miles to the north of The Rock B&B lies Goodrich Castle and the hundred hectacre Coppet Hill Nature reserve. There are fantastic views from Clee Hill to The Breacons and Malverns and toward Symonds Yat Rock and it is a great place to see birds, fungi and butterflies. From Goodrich castle we can recommend several walks from 2-7 miles.
Another bird watching location which is short drive away from the Rock B&B is the Nags Head RSPB reserve. There are two trails of between 1 and 2 miles with hides available for viewing the birds and wildlife and various other tracks and paths are available for you to explore. Over half the reserve is oakland where the trees were planted over 200 years ago to provide naval timber. In the spring look for pied fly catchers and Buzzards and Flocks of hornbills and hawkfinches in winter months.
The New Fancy Viewpoint is 6 miles away From the Rock B&B and on the old site of the New Fancy Mine. The area has been landscaped and a view point created atop the old slag heap. The viewpoint is now recognised as one of the best places in the UK for viewing Goshawks perching on the top of the trees
To the side of the carpark is a one dimensional sculpture in the form of a Geomap showing the different geological formations and former locations of over a hundred collieries, 35 iron mines, 49 stone quaries and one Gold mine!
In the central Forest of Dean, four miles from The Rock B&B is Beechenhurst Lodge and Cannop ponds with many walking trails including the Sculpture trail, The Cyril Hart Arboretum, Cannop cycle centre, Speech House woodland and Speculation Trail.
The Rock B&B - Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Coleford in the Forest of Dean
