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Abercamlo Reserve
History
The facinating Abercamlo Reserve comprises a wet heathy pasture with scrub and three small basin mires resulting from the formation of periglacial pingos. It looks at its very best in summer when the meadow sweet and common valerian are in flower. A marked trail takes you on a circular walk around the reserve and wellingtons are advisable for much of the year!
Wildlife of Interest
Pingos are geological features formed immediately after deglaciation some 12,000 to 10,000 years ago. Re-freezing of permafrost groundwater led to blister-like hills each containing a large lens of ice. On warming, the ice melted, leaving depressions surrounded by ramparts. The saucer-shaped depressions filled with water leading to the development of basin-mire communities.
The mires contain several species of Sphagnum Mosses, with species such as insectivorous Round-leaved Sundew, Cranberry, Bogbean and Marsh Cinquefoil.
The dry heathy pastures and wetter hollows contain a mixture of species including Common Valerian, Petty Whin, Dyers Greenweed, Devil's-bit scabious, Heather, Cross-leaved Heath and Marsh pennywort. Gorse and Downy Birch are common.
Birds include typical scrub species such as Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap and Garden Warbler. Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff are common in spring and summer, Reed Bunting and Yellow hammer breed in some years. Butterflies include Orange Tip, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Common Blue, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Status
Access to the Abercamlo reserve is kindly granted by the owners of the site, Mr & Mrs Wilson of Abercamlo Farm. The agreement covers 4.9 ha (12 acres). A trail around the reserve is marked by white-topped posts. Wellingtons are advisable most of the year!
Directions
Situated about one third of a mile south of the A44, about 3/4 of a mile west of Crossgates, on the road signposted to Llanyre. This road is opposite Taylor's Tractor garage on the A44. Heading south, the reserve is situated on the left hand side of the road, before Griffiths garage and the track to Abercamlo farm. Look for a white gate with an RWT sign.
Parking is along the roadside and rather limited. Please do not obstruct the track to the farm.
