Llangloffan Fen

A pond in a marshy grassland on a cloudy winter's day.

Llangloffan Fen © Grace Hunt 

Llangloffan Fen

The reserve comprises the western end of one of the largest remaining floodplains or valley mires in Wales, supporting tall fen, fen meadow, wet heath and carr communities and associated species. An area of semi-improved pasture is also part of the reserve. Status Notified SSSI, NNR. Afonydd Cleddau Cleddau Rivers SAC.

Location

North Pembrokeshire

OS Map Reference

Main entrance:SM895316, Site centre: SM896318.

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A static map of Llangloffan Fen

Know before you go

Maint
16 hectares
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Manylion parcio

There is a car park with parking for no more than 8 vehicles, access by gate from Castlemorris to Mathry road B4331.
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Llwybrau cerdded

There is a circular footpath through the reserve with a boardwalk leading to a bird hide overlooking one of the reserve’s many areas of open water.

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Mynediad

Public transport Richard Bros Bus 411 departs every 2 hours from Fishguard Square. Bus 411 departs Haverfordwest 10am & 12am (1 1⁄2 hr journey).

Not accessible for wheelchairs.

Dogs

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When to visit

Amseroedd agor

Open access reserve.

Amser gorau i ymweld

All year

Am dan y warchodfa

The site is bordered to the north and south by arable fields or intensively managed grassland; to the east it is continuous with the central section of the SSSI, while to the west there is a small area of Willow carr. Amongst the species present are Marsh Cinquefoil, Yellow Flag, Purple Moor Grass, and tall fen meadows dominated by Meadowsweet and areas of 1-2 m high tussocks of Greater Tussock-sedge. Water Dock occurs frequently in the wettest parts of the fen.

The site is 60 metres above sea level and once drained westwards to the sea at Aber Mawr. It was later modified by glacial melt water and ultimately blocked by glacial deposits thereby reversing the flow. This left a small central watercourse meandering through flat waterlogged ground, which supports high densities of Trout, particularly fry. Bullhead, River Lamprey, and Brook Lamprey, all features of the SAC have been recorded here.

The ornithological interest is greater in the eastern section of the NNR where Corncrake, Quail and Spotted Crake have all been recorded within the past 5 years. The development of dense rank growth dominated by Nettles along the southern bank of the river in the Trust reserve may offer suitable habitat for Corncrake, and Grasshopper Warblers are amongst the breeding species currently to be found. Barn Owls and Hen Harriers have been recorded hunting over the reserve.

The wetland is a classic haunt of the Otter and home to a remnant Water Vole population and Otters, Polecats and Badger all use the reserve.

A number of Red Data Book, Notable and local invertebrate species occur and the reserve is also well used by reptiles and amphibians.