Along the river bank there are lilac patches of dame’s violet, nettle-leaved bellflower and, on the roots of ash and alder trees, the parasitic toothwort. Rare or uncommon riverside species are two species of hawkweed, three species of dandelion, the globe flower and the wild onion. Undesirable Victorian introductions, which over the years have become serious pests, are the Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed. The latter, which can grow to 5 metres, should be avoided as the sap can cause a severe rash.

The moist climate is ideal for ferns and most of the common British species are represented. Lower members of the fern family such as the adder’s tongue and moonwort are found in the valley. Mosses, liverworts and lichens are very well represented in the Usk valley and several rare species are present.

Native trees, as in the Wye Valley grow to fine proportions here. There are many magnificent examples of the common oak in the lower valley whilst in the upper valley are remnant sessile oak woods. The region abounds with wild fruit trees such as crab apples, wild cherries (very noticeable in the spring when in flower) and wild plum. The small-leaved lime, the wild service-tree and black poplar are native rarities. Many of the trees are festooned with the mistletoe, a common parasite of trees in the Usk valley.

These pages describe only a small proportion of the wealth of flora and fauna of the Usk valley but, hopefully, enough to whet the appetite of visitors.

The Countryside Council for Wales and the Gwent Wildlife Trust are thanked for contributing much of the information given here.

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