Cwm Claisfer Nature Reserve, Llangynidr
The wooded reserve of Cwm Claisfer is a mixture of commercial forestry with areas of high nature conservation interest. The Trust has a management agreement with the Forestry Commission and works with them to enhance the wood’s biodiversity and accessibility, whilst allowing it to remain commercially viable.
What to look out for:
The best part of the wood has developed below the limestone escarpment of Craig Cwm Claisfer, an area of old red sandstone. This is a mixed ash and alder woodland with a boulder-strewn floor supporting a rich carpet of mosses and liverworts. The site’s different soils produce a mixed ground flora of calcium-loving and calcium-hating plant species. Look out for sanicle, lesser spearwort, St John’s wort, lady’s mantle and a wide range of ferns.
The verges of the wide forest tracks are a good place for spotting butterflies. They can be seen feeding on thistles and other plants on the sunny margins of the woodland rides.
Other things to do...
Llanthony Priory
Romantic ruins, painted by JMW Turner amongst many others, in a breathtaking site – well worth the trip
Tretower Court & Castle
Tretower Court & Castle, just 5 klms/3 miles north-west of Crickhowell, has been a site of occupation for 900 years. The older castle ruin stands in the grounds of the court, home to the influential Vaughan family
Walking in the Brecon Beacons
A small team of engaging, enthusiastic and experienced walkers providing guides and walks around a variety of locations within the Brecon Beacons.
Cwmyoy Church
The leaning church of the Black Mountains – even the tower leans more than the leaning tower of Pisa!
Craig y Cilau Nature Reserve
A nature reserve on the doorstep of Crickhowell on Llangattock Mountain
Craig Cerrig Gleisiad Nature Reserve
A dramatic reserve just north of Storey Arms on the A470 in the heart of the Brecon Beacons
Black Mountain Adventure
At Black Mountain Adventure we specialise in a wide range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, archery, gorge walking and many more
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
The canal passes just a mile from Crickhowell, skirting the edge of Llangattock village on the opposite side of the River Usk. The canal is one of the most picturesque of the UK’s leisure waterways, flowing peacefully through stunning scenery and close to nature
Country Craft Narrowboats
Country Craft Narrowboats is located on the historic and scenic Monmouth & Brecon canal in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park in south Wales.