Ystradfawr
This reserve, once the site of extensive coal mining, is a great example of how nature has reclaimed the landscape. It is a rich mix of wildlflower meadow, rhos pasture and young woodland. It is one of the best sites in Wales for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly. The reserve is also perfect for spotting Dragonflies and Damselflies.
Location
Know before you go
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
The nature reserve is an open accessBest time to visit
SummerAbout the reserve
Marsh fritillary adults flying in June, the caterpillars feeding on devil’s bit scabious in August and in mollinia tussocks in September within their larval webs. The spring and summer wildflower displays are stunning. The rhos pasture has purple flowering devil’s bit scabious in summer. The species rich wildflower meadows have magnificent displays of ragged robin and angelica. Grass-snakes, slow-worms and common lizard can be seen basking in the sunshine. The wet woodland is inhabited by many woodland birds. It is a good site to hear the well known call of the visiting cuckoo.