Pentrosfa Mire

About the Reserve

The site is partially artificial in origin. A natural spring line can be found at the northern end of the reserve, from these springs a stream would have flowed. This stream was dammed in the 1950's to flood part of the valley creating a lake of some 4.5 acres in size in order to increase the fishing interest. The lake has subsequently overgrown with aquatic vegitation leaving open water of some 0.5 acre. This reserve contains livestock so please keep dogs on a lead.

The reserve covers some 8.1 hectares (20 acres). It was purchased by the Trust in 1992 through grants from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Countryside Council for Wales, Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust and several Trust members. The site was notified in 1987 as a Site of Special Scientific Interest primarily because of its high botanical interest.

Wildlife of Interest

Bird species include Bullfinch, Skylark, Linnet, Reed Bunting and Song Thrush which have all declined drastically in the British Isles, and are part of the national Biodiversity Action Plan. All three species of woodpecker have been observed in the wooded areas, and overhead Red Kites, Buzzards and Ravens patrol. In winter the reserve is also an important roost site for large numbers of Snipe and Jack Snipe.

Interesting species associated with the water and aquatic vegetation include Water Rail, Sedge Warbler, Kingfisher, and specialist invertebrates such as the Water Ladybird Anisosticta 19-punctata, Water Scorpion Nepa cinerea, and a very scarce small black Rove Beetle Stenus oscillator which is particular to marshy places. During summer many species of insects emerge including Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella, Common and Southern Hawker Dragonflies Aeshna juncea and A. cyanea along with wetland craneflies and hoverflies. The thistles on the dryer slopes provide a food source for Goldfinches, Ringlet and Meadow Brown Butterflies, and the grassland is also good hunting ground for Owls.

Mammals prove more difficult to view, but Water Vole, Hare and Polecat have all been known here. Frogs and Smooth Newts can be found among the sedges, Northern Marsh-Orchids, Broad-leaved Cotton-sedge and Bog Violets growing on the damp soils.
Pentrosfa Mire's rarest species is a lichen discovered on willow twigs which is new to science (a member of the Arthonia genus). Over 100 species of lichen have been found on this reserve.

Directions

From Grosvenor Road, running east from the A483(T) south of the town centre of Llandrindod Wells, (signposted "Lake and Golf Course). Pass the lake on the left, go up the hill and over a cattle grid. Llandrindod Hall Farm and the church are on the right, with ample parking in the lay-by just past the church. Access to the reserve is via the public footpath, through the churchyard, through the metal pedestrian gate then follow the public footpath signs around the back of the farm, turning left onto the farm track. The reserve gate is about fi mile further on the right.

NGR: SO 058 596