Y Gweira

Marshy grassland and lowland wet heathland. The site is part of the Llantrisant Common and Pastures SSSI. The site is covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

Location

Cardiff and Bridgend. Y Gweira is located at the north-eastern corner of Llantrisant Common, south of Castellau Road. The common lies west of the village of Beddau, and 1 km north of Llantrisant.

OS Map Reference

Main entrance: ST051850, Site centre: ST052849.

Know before you go

Size

7 hectares

Access

Public transport: Bus numbers 244 from Bridgend or 400 from Cardiff to Llantrisant or Beddau. Not accessible to wheelchairs.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open access reserve.

Best time to visit

Spring and Summer

About the reserve

The pasture is made up of a mosaic of wet heath, mire, and marshy grassland dominated by Purple Moor Grass. Much of the grassland has plenty of Tormentil, together with species such as Sheep’s Fescue, Mat Grass and Heath Rush, and supports a strong, large population of Petty Whin. The wet heath is identified by the presence of Cross-leaved Heath and Heather.

Occasional areas where the soil is slightly less acidic are distinguished by the presence of Meadow Thistle. Royal Fern has been found in two areas associated with the ditches on the site.

This open habitat supports breeding Meadow Pipit, and Skylark, and a variety of invertebrates including butterflies; hopefully the Marsh Fritillary in future, and dragonflies such as the Common Darter.