Lower Wye Gorge (grid reference ST548983, ST537967) is a 65-hectare (160-acre) biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, notified in 1954 and renotified 1987.

[3] Wye Valley Woodlands/ Coetiroedd Dyffryn Gwy are recognised as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive.

[6] Lancaut reserve (grid reference ST539966) is a 24-hectare (59-acre) site and lies on the east bank of the Wye Gorge, north of Chepstow.

The gorge is formed from massive Lower Carboniferous limestones and sandstones and rises 250 ft above the tidal River Wye.

There is a public footpath which runs through the woods from the ruins of Lancaut Chapel to below Pen Moel, which returns by Offa's Dyke Path.

[7] The steep slopes and historic quarrying of limestone for agriculture and construction, such as the Avonmouth Docks, have resulted in a diverse woodland.

The ground flora includes ferns and a spring display of primrose, bluebell, dog-violet, wood anemone and early purple orchid.

These include hairy violet, yellow-wort, lesser calamint, oxeye daisy, red valerian and shining crane's-bill.

Sparrowhawk, goshawk, kestrel, cormorant, grey heron, shelduck, wood warbler, lapwing and goldcrest are amongst the wide range of birds recorded.

[8] The tree canopy includes beech (some huge old coppice stools), ash, sessile oak, silver birch, common whitebeam and small-leaved lime.