21. Cae Eglwys Nature Reserve

This reserve is a good example of a traditional wildflower meadow, a rare habitat in these days of intensively managed farmland where large quantities of both fertiliser and grazing animals are applied to meadows that may have once looked like this, but are now bright green with very few plant species surviving.

What to look out for:

The meadow is home to a range of colourful plants. In spring it is flecked with the pinks of common spotted orchids. In the summer, knapweed, bird's foot trefoil, fleabane and the delicate flowers of harebell can be found.

The meadow affords stunning views of both the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains.

How to get there:

From Brecon, take the B4520 Upper Chapel road. After approximately three miles turn left at a junction signed for Sarnau and follow the road up to the village. Take the left turn by the letter box and follow this lane up the hill. The lane quickly deteriorates into a very rough track. After 500m, pass over a cattle grid and the reserve entrance gate is on your left.

Nearest town: Sarnau
OS map sheet 160. Grid reference SO 025 333

Accessing the Reserve:

An open access reserve, you are allowed to visit the reserve on foot for your quiet enjoyment of the wildlife present. Please keep dogs on a lead.

There may be livestock on site, please do not approach them or feed them. Additionally there may be electric fencing to keep them off parts of the site, please cross this with care.

There are no site paths and the site can be wet in places at any time of year.

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Click on image for a larger view The meadow lies on a hillside with good views over to both the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains

Click on image for a larger view A large patch of fleabane can be found at the western end of the reserve