Hays Coppice
The historic landscape area of Hayes Coppice occupies the south end of a low ridge running along the west bank of the River Wye. Its boundaries are defined by the extent of the ancient woodland to the south, east and west, and by the national border to the north. The area lies in the parish of Dixton, in the manor of Newton.
The area, which now contains a mixture of conifer plantation and broad-leafed woodland, has existed as woodland, the state of cultivation for the majority of the areas is 'woods'. Most of the area comprises replanted ancient woodland, though a narrow strip of woodland on the lower slopes to the northeast of the area survives as ancient semi-natural woodland.
The northern border of this area has particular historical significance as it forms the national boundary between England and Wales; two boundary stones mark the boundary in the area. Further post-medieval activity can is represented by extractive features, and by an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar.
Hayes Coppice is characterised by ancient woodland, mixed woodland, though predominantly coniferous plantation, which occupies the steep valley sides and summit of the ridge which forms the west side of the Wye Valley. A narrow area of ancient semi natural woodland survives along the lower slopes to the northeast of the area. The area also includes a group of irregular enclosures at its southern boundary with Newton Court.
The area can also be characterised by communication, represented in the area by two boundary stones on the north perimeter, marking the border with England.
