Ystradfawr

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. The reserve is also perfect for spotting Dragonflies and Damselflies.

Location

Nearest town is Ystradgynlais, SA9 1SE.

OS Map Reference

Main entrance: SN 796 108
Alternative entrance: SN 796 108

View on What3Words

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Know before you go

Size

41 hectares

Parking information

Please park carefully in Weavers Road, Ystradgynlais, taking care not to block the road or property entrances.

Grazing animals

There may be cattle or ponies. Please do not approach them or feed them. There may be electric fencing to keep them off parts of the site so cross this with care.

Walking trails

To explore the site there is a network of informal paths of various grades which link to the public rights of way and Sustrans route 43. Most of the Rhos pasture fields have gates allowing access into them and you are free to explore whilst being mindful of the wet and uneven ground, streams and mining structures. Unsurfaced paths can be wet at all times of the year. Please visit the site with care.

The Sustrans route 43 cycle path provides step free, relatively even tarmacked access around edge of the site from Ysgol Golwyg y Cwm to the Neath road with some views down onto the site. The cycle path also links to Wern Plemys.

Access

Turn off the B4599 onto Hendreladus, Ystradgynlais. Go through the kissing gate by Ystradgynlais youth and Community Centre and follow Sustrans route 43 for a 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

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

The nature reserve is an open access

Best time to visit

Summer

About the reserve

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