Trewalkin Meadow

Early purple orchids by Jim Higham

Trewalkin Meadow

Trewalkin Meadow is a small, damp, flower-rich meadow at the foot of the Black Mountains between Llangorse and Talgarth. It is how much of Brecknock would have looked 60 years ago before the habitat was lost due to changes in farming.

Location

Nearest town is Pengenffordd, Talgarth, LD3 0HA

OS Map Reference

SO 155 309

Know before you go

Maint

1 hectare

Manylion parcio

There are no formal parking facilities; please park carefully and considerately on the roadside.

Anifeiliaid pori

There may be livestock present on site for short periods at certain times of year and it is best not to enter the site if this is the case. Please do not approach them or feed them.

Llwybrau cerdded

There are no trails on site and it can be very wet at all times of year. Unfortunately it is unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Mynediad

Turn off the A479 2 miles south of Talgarth onto the narrow lane marked for Trewalkin. Take the first right turn and the reserve is on the right hand side after the property called Glan yr Afon. There are no formal parking facilities and visitors must not obstruct the lane or gateways.

Dogs

Tan reolaeth effeithiol

When to visit

Amseroedd agor

The reserve is open access

Amser gorau i ymweld

Summer

Am dan y warchodfa

The meadow has interest throughout the year with cuckoo flower in the spring; common spotted and early purple orchids in the early summer; globeflower, betony, ragged robin, great burnet and meadowsweet in mid summer and devil’s bit scabious in the early autumn.

The tall trees and high, thick hedges around the site provide valuable feeding and living opportunities for a wide range of insects and birds that rely on the nectar from blossom in spring and summer, and berries and nuts left on uncut hedges in the winter.

The flora’s diversity is maintained by a late summer hay cut and some grazing if dry enough. This regular cropping reduces the dominance of the meadow’s grasses.