Ty Brith
These four fields are probably the largest group of unimproved hay meadows in Montgomeryshire. For hundreds of years, the fields have been managed traditionally; the hay is cut after the flowers have set seed and then cattle graze until the grass stops growing. An area of species-rich wetland further enhances the second field, attracting wintering Snipe to the reserve. There are over 100 different flowers and grasses at Ty Brith, including several species of orchid - in today's modern silage fields you are lucky to find 6 different flower species!
Severn Farm Pond
Severn Farm Pond is an urban nature reserve where plants and animals can live in safety, despite the busy industrial estate surrounding them. It's amazing how many different species have taken to this new home. Meandering boardwalks take you on an amazing journey around the reserve; suspended above pools and marshy wetlands stuffed full of damselflies, dragonflies, frogs, newts and toads.
Best time to visit
Roundton Hill
From the top of Roundton Hill it's easy to see why an Iron Age hillfort was once sited here - the vantage point offers great viewing across the surrounding countryside. In later years miners worked the hill for lead and barites. Today, the geological and industrial landscapes of Roundton Hill have created a variety of habitats where specialist plants have taken hold.
Red House
A large wet meadow, a reed swamp, a pool and a wet woodland make up most of this riverside reserve - but why is it so wet? Because the river floods, there is an endless water supply running off the hills!
The wet areas are what make this reserve important; one particularly significant plant is the weirdly attractive Sweet Flag, found here in abundance. Over 150 varieties of wetland plants have been listed at Red House including Bulrush, bur reed, Canary Grass and Yellow Flag.
Best time to visit
Pwll Penarth
This reserve was once part of the sewage farm next door! Birds, who seem to be attracted to such places, were already regular visitors, so when the Environment Agency and the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust remodelled the site in 1996, it was easy to encourage the birds to stay. Shallow margins attract waders, whilst deeper water allows ducks and geese dabbling room! Islands and special gravel 'cliffs' were created to allow birds safe places to nest.
Best time to visit
Llyn Mawr
It's the very wetness of Llyn Mawr that makes it a special site for lovers of all things aquatic - particularly plants and birds. Visitors are usually rewarded with sightings of duck, waders and a variety of water loving plants. The lake has a rich variety of plant life, which is why it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Llyn Coed y Dinas
Created from a gravel pit, quarried to provide material for the creation of the Welshpool bypass, Llyn Coed y Dinas is a fantastic home for all sorts of wildlife. Some of these call the reserve home all year round, while others visit at specific times of the year, either to breed and raise their young or to shelter from the winter weather.
Llanymynech Rocks
Straddling the border between England and Wales, the reserve lies at the southern end of the carboniferous limestone outcrop that stretches from Anglesey and the Great Orme at Llandudno. From the early 19th century until the end of the First World War, the site was a busy limestone quarry; since then peace has returned and nature has crept in to steal it back for herself.
Llanmerewig Glebe
Within this small reserve of just one hectare grows a highly poisonous, yet beautiful plant - Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also known as Meadow Saffron or ‘Naked Ladies’! For centuries this delicate flower has been systematically eradicated in grazing areas because of its danger to animals, yet is does have healing powers and has been used to treat gout.
Llandinam Gravels
There's no point in working against such a strong force as the River Severn, so the Trust is working with the river to create a harmonious balance of habitat erosion and creation. In addition to meadows, areas of river shingle provide places for invertebrates to thrive and wading birds can feed and breed in safety. Along the river margins plants grow which attract dragonflies and damselflies, whilst providing cover for birds and otters.
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