Cwm Byddog Nature Reserve by Silvia Cojocaru
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust
Cwm Byddog
Location
OS Map Reference
SO 215 447
Know before you go
Parking information
Limited - please park on the track verge taking care not to obstruct the highway.Grazing animals
NoWalking trails
On entering the reserve by the castle mound, follow the natural path leading through the trees and over the brook.
Access
From Clyro, take the road signposted for Newchurch. After half a mile, turn right and the reserve entrance is immediately on your left.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
All year round.Best time to visit
March to JuneAbout the reserve
A small but incredibly pretty reserve with lots of insect activity due to the ancient and veteran trees. The woodland is of international importance due to the age of the trees. Lichens, mosses and other plants depend on this habitat to survive. The oak polypore fungus has been found on two trees in Wales, one of them is here in Cwm Byddog.
In spring, wildflowers carpet the reserve with bluebells, yellow archangel, cuckoo-pint, wood anemone, dog's mercury and wood sorrel making up a colourful display. Butterflies, moths and dragonflies have plenty to feast on. The common blue, speckled wood and gatekeeper butterflies are regular visitors with the scarce cloaked carpet moth having been recorded recently.
The scrub on the motte is an important habitat for birds, including yellowhammer, blackcap and garden warbler in the summer. The nuthatch, great-spotted woodpecker and pied flycatcher can all be found in the woodland.
The reserve is managed to help the nationally rare hazel dormouse survive. Other small mammals include the yellow-necked mouse, wood mouse, bank vole and common shrew.