Am dan y warchodfa

The reserve is enclosed within a long hedge that has been laid in the Breconshire style. Note that the stakes within the hedge are set at an angle. Running along the top of the hedge are plaited lengths of hazel called “heatherings”. These prevent the laid stems of the hedge from springing upwards.

As well as being an example of local craftmanship, the hedge also acts as a “wildlife corridor”. Mice and voles use the hedge for travelling, it acts as a resting and nesting site for small birds and it attracts a range of insects, including moths. A moth survey identified species with intriguing names as “heart and dart”, “small phoenix”, “flame shoulder” and “beautiful golden Y”.

Over 350 flower-spikes of common-spotted and heath-spotted orchids have been recorded in the first meadow and the site features a range of meadow wildflowers.