21. Ystradfawr Nature Reserve

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.

What to look out for:

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 inhabitated by many woodland birds. It is a good site to hear the well known call of the visiting cuckoo.

How to get there

Turn off the B4599 onto Hendreladus, Ystradgynlais. Go through the kissing gate by Ystradgynlais youth and Community Centre and follow Sustrans route 43 for quarter of a mile. The reserve is in front and to your right. Alternatively access the southern side via Weavers Road, off Station Road, Ystradgynlais.

Nearest town Ystradgynlais. Post code SA9 1SE.

OS map sheet 160. Grid reference SN 796 108

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 dogs on a lead to prevent disturbing ground nesting birds.

There may be cattle or ponies 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 formal paths and areas can be wet at all times of the year. A small river runs through the site.

Please visit the site with care.