Top 10 Nature Places
Hafod NRW, Devil’s Bridge, Ceredigion
OS map 213. Grid ref: SN 768736
Website
This peaceful forest location, 15 miles of Aberystwyth is a combination of ancient woodland and historically landscaped grounds in the Picturesque Style of the 18th Century. You can see the remnants of this historically important place and revel in nature’s solitude.
Clod am y ddelwedd: ©Dafydd Wyn Morgan
Gwenffrwd Dinas RSPB, Rhandirmwyn, Carmarthenshire
OS map 187. Grid ref: SN 788471
Website
Sensitively managed by the RSPB, Gwenffrwd Dinas is a haven for pied flycatchers, redstarts, dippers and grey wagtails. Absorb the majesty of the ancient oak woodland comprising oak and alder and meander along the fast flowing rivers.
Image credit: ©Janice Vincett
Gilfach NNR, Rhayader, Powys
OS Map 200. Grid ref: SN 964717
Website
This hidden gem, four miles north of Rhayader is nestled in the sleepy Marteg Valley. Whether you like meadow, oakland, upland moor or a stony river flanked by mature woodland, this is the place for you. It also boasts of a rich abundance of bird and animal life and if that wasn’t enough, you can watch majestic salmon leap upstream.
Coed y Bont, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion
OS map 187. Grid ref: SN 737659
Website
This community-managed ancient woodland, rich with willow, downy birch, rowan, hazel, aspen and oak boasts of a dawn chorus that is hard to beat. Stroll along the easy, waymarked paths and bathe in forest nature any time of the year.
Bwlch y Nant yr Arian, Ponterwyd, Ceredigion
OS map 213. Grid ref: SN 717813.
Website
Rich with trails for walkers, cyclists and runners, Bwlch Nant yr Arian is full of natural scenery, including stunning views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. You can also come and watch Red Kites being fed at its well established feeding station.
Image credit: ©Charlotte Harley
Cors Caron NNR, Ceredigion
OS map 187 and 199. Grid ref: SN 692625
Website
This vast area of wetland has been visited by 170 species of bird! No wonder, as it has a unique mix of reedbeds, wet grasslands, woodland and rivers, streams and ponds. Walk along the boardwalks, sit in the comfortable bird hides and wander along flower-studded paths for a relaxing day out.
Image credit: ©Dafydd Wyn Morgan
RSPB Carngafallt, Elan Valley, Powys
OS map 200. Grid ref: SN 936652
Website
This ancient oak woodland near the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, has a great variety of songbirds. Park nearby and stroll along the easy paths to enjoy the dappled morning light through the green canopy. Listen to the fascinating call of the Wood Warbler, the sweet sound of the Redstart and look for a black-and-white flash as the Dipper looks for its breakfast in the Elan River.
Image credit: ©Sam Price
Glaslyn Nature Reserve, near Dylife, Powys
OS map 215. Grid ref: SN 826941.
Website
Experience this hidden treasure in the wild, Welsh wilderness. Walk through upland moor to the remote lake. Boasting hundreds of recorded plants, lichens, insects and bird species, it also has an impressive display of cottongrass in June, followed by purple heather in August.
Image credit: ©Dafydd Wyn Morgan
Vicarage Meadows, Abergwesyn, Powys
OS map 187. Grid ref: SN 850526.
Website
One of the Wildlife Trust South & West Wales’ most botanically rich areas, this wildlife meadow and wet pasture is traditionally managed. In the spring, bluebells abundantly grow, followed by a blooming variety of Orchids, Betony, Great Burnet, Bog Asphodel and Dyer’s Greenweed. Enjoy the many varieties of butterflies and insects that visit the meadow in this special place.
Image credit: ©Dafydd Wyn Morgan
Poorman’s Wood, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire
OS map 187. Grid ref: SN 781351
Website
Situated on the outskirts of Llandovery, this ancient oak upland is rich with woodland flora, mosses and lichens. Vicar Pritchard donated this 41 acre forest to the townsfolk of Llandovery and stated, “Any poor man can take the fallen wood, and any traveller may rest his head”.
