Am dan y warchodfa

Blaenant y Gwyddyl is an area of ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland on thin Coal Measures’ soils, on the north side of the steeply sloping valley of the Nant Gwyddyl. There are several non-woodland habitats including the rocky Blaenant y Gwyddyl river bed fed by streams flowing down the valley side, several large glades, and bare rock exposures near the two attractive waterfalls.

The reserve is made up of upland Birch-Sessile Oak woodland, with areas containing Ash, Alder, Small-leaved Lime, Sycamore, and Wych Elm. The understorey is not well developed, because of past sheep grazing, giving the reserve an open character, and is chiefly Hazel with some Field Maple, Hawthorn, Holly, and Blackthorn. The ground flora is grass dominated largely by Common Bent and Tufted Hair Grass with some Tutsan.

A richer flora can be found in the wet flushes throughout the wood. To date, a botanical survey has recorded 74 vascular plant species, and no doubt a fuller survey, spread over the full four seasons, will double that number. There are several areas dominated by large stands of Bracken.

The breeding birds, typical of this habitat, include Great Spotted Woodpecker, Wren and Robin, together with migrants such as Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Wood Warbler.