Eight wild wonders right on our doorstep
We caught up with the charity’s Conservation Officer Lottie Glover who has given us an insight of what we can expect.
“Severn Farm Pond can be found on Welshpool’s Severn Farm Industrial Estate. Despite being surrounded by hustle and bustle, it’s still a little piece of paradise to explore! The wildlife garden is beautiful in the summer, full of flowers and pollinators. You might even spot some ducklings or cygnets on the pond!
A great one to visit year-round, Llyn Coed y Dinas was created from a gravel pit used to build the Welshpool bypass. Some birds use the site as a “wildlife service station”, dropping in for a rest whilst on migration. Younger wildlife lovers can find inspiration for their imaginations at the reserve’s Nature Play area.
Six miles from town, Dolydd Hafren near the village of Forden, is the largest area of unmodified river floodplain in Montgomeryshire. Over time, the unstoppable power of water has created a mosaic of oxbows, shingles, wet meadows, reedbeds, scrub and willow and, of course the river itself, providing habitats for a vast array of wildlife from Brown Hares to Reed Warblers. Unfortunately, due to the conditions of the access track, only 4x4 vehicles can drive down to the reserve.
Dolforwyn Woods is a mixed woodland supporting a range of wildlife from Pied Flycatchers to Hazel Dormice located 15 minutes’ drive away, in Abermule. Spring is a good time to visit when the woodland flowers are in bloom and the birds are singing. Autumn is also a highlight here, when the leaves are changing colour and the ground is littered with a vast array of fungi.
Llanmerewig Glebe, not far from Newtown, is a small reserve, but is home to the locally rare Autumn Crocus, also known as Meadow Saffron or Naked Ladies! The Autumn Crocus is thriving under traditional hay management. The best time to see the Autumn Crocus’ varies between late August and early October depending on the weather.
Twenty minutes from Welshpool, in the village of Deuddwr south-east of Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, Ty Brith is what’s thought to be the largest unimproved hay meadow in the county. Traditional hay cuts have been undertaken here for hundreds of years, cutting after the flowers have set seed, followed by grazing. Over 100 species of flowers and grasses have been recorded here including several species of orchid.
Last but by no means least, Llanymynech Rocks reserve lies at the southern end of the carboniferous limestone outcrop stretching from Anglesey and the Great Orme at Llandudno. It’s spectacular to visit at any time of year, boasting great views over Shropshire and North Powys, but in spring and summer it’s even more full of colour and life. This site is a butterfly hotspot, with species such as Dingy and Grizzled Skipper present in the spring, and Dark Green and Silver-washed Fritillaries in the summer.
Nature reserves such as these are wonderful places where people can connect with nature and get away from the stresses of modern life, but if visiting always remember to respect the wildlife by keeping dogs on leads, taking your rubbish home and, where necessary, sticking to marked paths.
For more information about our reserves, including directions, please visit https://www.montwt.co.uk/nature-reserves
*Please note that on the date of publication, part of Llyn Coed y Dinas reserve is closed due to a collapsed pathway over a drainage system. We hope this will be resolved soon.
PICTURES:
- A riot of colour and life in spring, former quarry Llanymynech Rocks is a hotspot for wildflowers and butterflies Photo: © Lottie Glover
- Hidden wetland oasis, Red House Nature Reserve can be accessed from the Montgomery Canal towpath Photo: © Tamasine Stretton
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