Gilfach

Photo by James Blair

History

Gilfach is a traditional Radnorshire hill farm that has remained unimproved since the 1960's. The farm was in existence by the end of the 15`" century though there is evidence of human activity stretching back to the bronze age. The restored farmhouse was rebuilt in the 16th century. Since 1988, the Trust has restored all the ancient field boundaries (stone walls, banks and hedgerows) and fenced off the woodlands. The reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Wildlife of Interest

The meadows contain a range of ancient grassland species, including Dyers Greenweed, Moonwort, Adders-tongue Fern, Mountain Pansy, Parsley Fern, Heath Dog-violet, and Eyebright. A large number of Waxcap fungi (Hygrocybe spp.) are found across the reserve. The reserve is very rich in lower plants, with 413 species of lichen found to date.

The species list for birds is currently 73 of which 55 species breed. Breeders include: Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Raven, Whinchat, Stonechat, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Siskin, Redpoll, Marsh and Willow Tit, Stock Dove, Wheatear, Bullfinch, Buzzard, Kestrel, Barn Owl, Spotted Flycatcher, Meadow Pipit, Skylark. Other visitors include: Curlew, Merlin, Red Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Goosander, Kingfisher, Reed Bunting.

Insects abound, along the river Damselflies such as the Beautiful Demoiselle Calopteryx virgo and Emerald Lestes sponsa are found. Common Green Grasshopper Omocestus viridula and Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha tenebricoso are frequent in the grasslands. Butterflies include Ringlet, Wall Brown, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Larger mammals on the reserve include Otter, Polecat, Stoat, Weasel, Badger, Fox, Hare, and Hedgehog. Bats hibernating in the railway tunnel include Daubentons, Natterers and Brown long-eared among the six species recorded.

Gilfach Longhouse

Following an inspection December 2004, Gilfach Longhouse was been Listed Grade II* for its special architectural interest.

Status

The freehold of this 410 acre (166 ha) reserve was purchased in 1988 with very generous donations from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Countryside Commission, World Wide Fund for Nature, Oakdale Trust, W.A. Cadbury Charitable Trust and many other charitable trusts and individuals.

Directions

Follow the A470 between Rhayader and Llangurig. Approximately 2 miles from Rhayader and 7 miles from Llangurig there is a well signed road junction to 'St. Harmon and Pantydwr'. The turning is also indicated by Brown Nature Reserve Signs. The Gilfach Nature Reserve begins at the junction and includes most of the end of the valley as far as the next cattle grid. General parking is well provided but to visit the centre drive through the reserve for one mile before turning right to cross the valley to the farm yard. Trails are waymarked and link the various parts of the reserve to the visitor centre.

NGR: SN 950 710