The reserve, managed jointly by Gwent Wildlife Trust and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, contains interesting beech and alder woodland.
The open spaces in the south of the reserve contain many anthills, which nearby green woodpeckers feed on.
Lichens and mosses are reclaiming the coal pit for nature, and many birds are attracted by the beech nuts or mast in the autumn.
Some of the reserve has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Co-ordinates: SO187062
Location: From Ebbw Vale take the A4046 south. After about 2.5 miles (4 km) you reach the village of Cwm. Go through the village one-way system and exit on the northern side. Take the second turning on the right (by a corner shop). About a third of a mile further on there is a car park on the right (the cemetery is just ahead, on the left). Walk northwards across the flat grass playing area to get to the reserve entrance.
Contact: The reserve is managed by the Gwent Wildlife Trust,
Seddon House, Dingestow, Monmouth NP25 4DY
Tel 01600 740358, Fax 01600 740299.
Email: info@gwentwildlife.org.
Visit the Gwent Wildlife Trust website to find out more about Silent Valley.
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your comments
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Rita Tait, Hay-on-Wye
The farm referred to would have been Penycrug. My great-great-grandfather Walter Price was an agricultural labourer there in the census of 1881. He had arrived from Breconshire, ending up in Railway Terrace, Cwm and finally with his daughter in Bridgend.
Rita Tait, Hay-on-Wye
My great-great-grandad Walter Price worked at Penycrug Farm in Silent Valley - he was there in 1881. I think it was the only farm there. It must have been very lovely in his day.
Jan Johnson, Newport
Could you please tell me what the farm used to be called in 1901.
Chris Carey from Newport
I helped regenerate the area by planting beech saplings in 2001/2 as part of a Countryside Management course at Coleg Gwent (Usk). I thoroughly enjoyed the experience as I felt I had achieved something useful for the present and future generations of people and wildlife. Even the rain didn't dampen my spirits!
Mathew Parker from Ebbw Vale
I went on a trip up to the Silent Valley Nature Reserve with my friend, and I can't say I didn't enjoy it! I loved every minute of it! We learnt so much, and our subject that day was moss!
Amie James from Abertillery
I love the sites, and to anyone out there who think it's a tip - you're wrong. Open your eyes you'll soon see.
Iain Martindale from Llanhilleth
Until I visited this website, I thought it was a public and industrial waste tip. There is nothing locally to suggest that it's a reserve, and local people don't mention it.
