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Werndryd
Photo by Joan Payne
History of Werndyd Nature Reserve
The Werndyd nature reserve site was formerly grazed by livestock but then remained ungrazed for many years. The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust has re-introduced a regime of occasional light grazing to avoid dominance by rank grasses. Please follow the country code when visiting this reserve.
Wildlife of Interest
The Werndyd reserve consists of a wet grassland sward with Willow scrub. The botanical interest includes Marsh Cinqufoil, Devils-bit Scabious, Ragged Robin, Oval Sedge, Lousewort, Marsh Violet and Common Spike-rush. Several exotic tree species have been planted including Aspen and Grey Poplar.
Birds recorded include Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Reed Bunting and Snipe. Other common farmland and hedgerow birds such as Great Tits, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Wren and Greenfinch also use the reserve. The addition of nestboxes also allows Pied Flycatchers to breed here.
The ponds and ditches on the site provide an important wildlife habitat for species such as Great Diving Beetle, Azure Damselflies, Black-tailed Skimmer and both Palmate and Smooth Newts. Butterflies recorded here include Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Orange Tip, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
Status
The site was donated to the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Trust in 1995 by Trust members Mr & Mrs Vellacott. The reserve covers an area of approximately 1.05 ha (2.6 acres).
Directions
The Werndyd nature reseve is best approaced by taking the A481 from Builth Wells to Hundred House. At Hundred House take a left hand turn towards Franksbridge village. As you approach the road ascends with a church coming into view on the right. After this a junction to the left appears, the reserve is at this junction.
When parking please do not obstruct the highway.
Parts of the footpath may flood in winter please wear appropriate footwear.
