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Llanbwchllyn Lake Reserve
Photo by Penny Hurt
History
The Llandbwchllyn Lake Reserve is owned by Welsh Water and has been leased to the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust since 2008, though we have had an informal agreement since 1980. The fishing rights are separately let to a local angling club. The access track leads to a bird hide after 200m, with views across the lake.
Wildlife of Interest
The marginal vegetation includes stands of White and Yellow Water-lilies, Amphibious Bistort and Shoreweed. There are large stands dominated by Common Reed, with Reedmace, Bogbean, Lesser Pond-sedge, Bottle Sedge and Greater Spearwort (one of only 2 known sites in Radnorshire). There is well developed Alder and Willow carr (wet woodland) around the edge. In the wetter fen areas are Meadowsweet, Marsh Cinquefoil, Skullcap, Gypsywort, and Water Horsetail. Drier areas have Royal Fern, Sneezewort and Devil's-bit Scabious.
Birds include Reed Warbler and Great-Crested Grebe which breed. In winter the reserve is important for wintering ducks. Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard and Goldeneye are commonly seen. Mute Swans are often found, as are Cormorants. Kingfisher and Common Sandpiper visit regularly.
The lake contains several species of fish, including Perch, Pike, Roach and Chub. Invertebrates are well represented, with plentiful dragonflies and damselflies and the cardinal beetle Pyrochroa serraticornis and uncommon oil beetle Meloe proscarabaeus have been recorded.
Status
The Llanbwchllyn Lake reserve is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest as an example of an uncommon mesotrophic lake. The fen vegetation developed around the edge of the lake is one of the best examples in Radnorshire.
Note: The hide is open to the public, but access to the rest of the reserve is restricted, to keep disturbance to a minimum. Radnorshire Wildlife Trust members may go beyond the hide, as far as the path along the south of the lake (please carry your membership card). Access to the north and east side of the lake is by permit only (please contact us for a permit).
Directions
The gate to the reserve is situated north of the B4594 Erwood to Painscastle road. Follow the sign to Llanbwchllyn which takes you onto an unclassified single track road for about half a mile. The road bends to the right, with Llanbwcllyn farm on the corner and you will see the chain-link fence of the reserve on your right. Park in front of the gate.
