It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its biological characteristics, containing a wide variety of flora.

The 44.3-hectare (109-acre) nature reserve, which was notified as an SSSI in 1971, is located 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) east of the town of Monmouth in Monmouthshire on the eastern banks of the River Wye.

[5] As with other woodland in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fiddler's Elbow contains many local and rare tree species.

Orchids are also present, with the varieties bird's-nest (Neottia nidus-avis), early purple (Orchis mascula) and the greater butterfly-orchid (Platanthera chlorantha) being found.

[7] In addition, the nature reserve's management policy, which includes leaving fallen or standing dead wood in situ, also provides ideal habitats for fungi and invertebrates.