Ancient limestone woodland and quarry. The reserve forms part of the Cwm Ivy Marsh, Dunes and Tor SSSI. Limestone woodland, plantation and pasture, Betty Church Reserve.

Access  Limited parking in village, public footpath through reserve. Not suitable for wheelchairs or less active

Voluntary Wardens  Mr John Gale, Mr Nigel Hollet and
Ms Mary Lewis (Betty Church Reserve)

Location
0.25 km east of the hamlet of Cwm Ivy. Access to both parts of the reserve can be obtained from the public footpath that runs between Cheriton and Cwm Ivy, along the base of the scarp.

Description
Cwm Ivy Woods reserve is situated on the western extremity of the north Gower limestone escarpment and is in two parts, a section of woodland and a limestone quarry, separated by a private woodland and house. The two sections are linked by the public footpath. The larger part of the reserve is a fine example of a limestone Ash wood with strongly calcicole field-layer vegetation, with Oak and Birch occurring throughout. Plants such as Dog's Mercury (2-4), Bluebells (4-6) and herb-Bennet (6-8) are abundant. Limestone outcrops and fallen timber provide habitats for bryophytes and ferns.

The old limestone quarry displays an advanced stage of colonisation. Its open grazed floor supports an interesting sward of lime-loving plants, such as Milkwort (4-7) and Wild Thyme (5-8).

Good times to visit

March-June Spring woodland flowers

May-July Summer woodland birds

September-November Fungi