1. Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve

This is the Trust's most visited nature reserve and was extended in 2012 to double its original size, with the help of a grant from the Countryside Council for Wales. It is 17.5 hectares of beautiful ancient woodland, which slopes down to the banks of the River Enig. Near the eastern end of the reserve the river plunges over a spectacular waterfall into a dark pool below, known as the "Witches Pool" from which the reserve gets it name.

What to look out for:

The woodland is particularly beautiful in early spring when white patches of wood anemones merge with a yellow carpet of lesser celandines. In late spring bluebells fleck the woodland floor with shimmering blue and the white flowers of wild garlic give the air a pungent smell. Look out for the strange looking toothwort plant near the base of trees (especially hazel), down by the river. It lacks chlorophyll and is parasitic on the trees.

Dormice live in the reserve, although you are unlikely to see these golden brown creatures. In some parts of the reserve small groups of trees have been felled to encourage the food-plants of dormice, such as bramble and honeysuckle, to grow.

From the junction in the centre of Talgarth, with the Tourist Information & Resource Centre on your right, turn right. The road passes over the River Enig and then take the sharp left turn which leads into Bell Street. After 50 metres, turn left opposite the Bell Hotel and follow the minor road up a hill for about 1 mile. A short distance after the last houses of Talgarth, the main reserve car park and entrance is on the right where you will find an information panel.

Nearest town: Talgarth. Post code: LD3 0DS.

OS map sheet 161. Grid reference S0 165 326

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.

A surfaced easy access path, with a gradient suitable for people in wheelchairs and pushchairs, leads from the main car park into the heart of the reserve. From here, a more uneven and sometimes muddy path leads to the main waterfall. A network of other unsurfaced trails run around the reserve which can be uneven, muddy and feature steps in several places.

You can download a site leaflet to print out and take with you here.

Geology Trail:

The site has some very interesting geological features and there is a marked geology trail running around the site. A double side A3 leaflet describing the geological features and trail to look out for is available from the BWT office.