4. Drostre Wood Nature Reserve
Drostre Wood is a small mixed deciduous woodland containing oak and birch.
Below the canopy of the tallest trees there is a wide range of smaller tree
species including aspen, elder, yew, hawthorn, blackthorn and rowan, with shrubs
such as holly and honeysuckle.
What to look out for:
The floor of the wood is dominated by mosses but in areas where this vegetation
is less dense, species such as yellow archangel, herb robert, wood-sorrel, and
bluebell can be seen. Alongside a small stream that runs across the reserve from
west to east just inside the northern boundary, there are wetter areas with a variety
of rush species, willows and opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage.
Dead wood, whether as standing trees or rotting on the woodland floor, is a
valuable feature. It is a habitat for large numbers of fungi including the
birch polypore and scarlet elf cup. It is relied upon by invertebrates, such as
the lesser stag beetle, for nesting, hibernation and food.
How to get there:
The wood is located beside the lane that runs between Llechfaen and Llanfilo.
It is on the corner where a short side turn in front of The Gables leads to
Upper Drostre Farm and Maesygarn. There are no formal parking facilities and
visitors must take care not to obstruct the lane or gateways.
Nearest town: Llechfaen, Brecon. Post code LD3 0TN.
OS map sheet 161. Grid reference SO 095 305
Accessing the Reserve:
The reserve is an open access reserve, you are allowed to visit the reserve on
foot for your quiet enjoyment of the wildlife present. Please keep to the paths
and any dogs under close control.
There is a waymarked circular trail around the wood along unsurfaced trails.
The site can be wet at all times of year.
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