About the reserve

This Alder carr remnant has developed over the deep, poorly drained peaty soils of the valley floor and is a good example of a once much more widespread woodland type, that existed on poorly drained sites. The Alder carr is particularly old, supporting a rich epiphytic flora of lichens, bryophytes and polypodys. The lichen interest was subject to a survey in 1985 (Wolsley). The more notable lichen species recorded were Cetrelia olivetorum, Menegazzia terebrata, Nephroma parile and Ochrolechia inversa.

Tree species include Alder, Hazel, Willow and Sessile Oak with an understorey of Guelder Rose and Hawthorn. Ground flora includes Tussock Sedge as a dominant species, with Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Marsh-marigold and Hemlock Water-dropwort. Other species present include Common Marsh-bedstraw, Meadowsweet, Wild Angelica and Bladder Sedge – found here at one of its few Pembrokeshire locations.

Birds present on site include Great, Blue, Coal, Marsh and Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrests, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Treecreeper, with Pied Flycatchers also nesting. These species are augmented in winter by visiting Water Rail and Woodcock.

Invertebrate groups well represented include true flies, longhorn beetles and harvestmen. Mammals that use the reserve include Shrews, Bank Voles and Badgers. Frogs are also plentiful.