Reserve Information
Location
Remote location near the village of Trecastle. Descending into Trecastle from Brecon take the first turning left onto Chapel Street (by the Castle Coaching Inn). Carry on out of the village again on a minor road to Usk Res and Llandeusant. Carry on past two left turns (the second of which takes you towards the Tafarn Y Garreg Pub, Glantawe). After two miles you pass a red telephone box, church and cross a bridge. Turn left left as the road rises again. Follow this for three quarters of a mile to where the road bends sharply right, with a track going off to the left. The reserve entrance gate is on the right corner directly opposite the track.
Nearest town: Trecastle. Post code LD3 8YD.
GridReference
SN 853 267Directions
Find out herePublic Transport
Find out hereOpening Times
24/7/365Size
1.9 hectaresWalking Information
The reserve is an open access reserve, you are allowed to visit the reserve on foot for your quiet enjoyment of the wildlife present. The site can be very wet at any time of year.Access
Unsuitable for wheelchairs.Geology Trail
Parking
Parking is limited; do not obstruct the farm access track.Dogs
Dogs must be under close control and on a lead during the breeding season of ground-nesting birds (March-July).Grazing Animals
There may be cattle or ponies on site, please do not approach them or feed them. Additionally there may be electric fencing to keep them off parts of the site, please cross this with care.Factsheets and Guides for Your Visit
This wildflower meadow has always been managed traditionally with grazing by cattle or ponies from spring to autumn. This kind of rough, damp grassland is known in Wales as Rhos pasture and is becoming rare. Please keep dogs on a lead as skylarks often nest within the rough grass.
What to look out for
The meadow is home to a range of colourful plants. In spring it is flecked with the pinks of common spotted and heath spotted orchids, which are then followed by the yellows of bog asphodel and dyer’s greenweed. In the summer, the dense lilac-blue heads of devil’s-bit scabious flowers add to the colourful display.
Standing towards the top of the meadow gives good views of the surrounding farmland. Buzzards and red kites can sometimes be seen soaring overhead and in the spring the distinctive call of the cuckoo can sometimes be heard.
