Branches Fork Meadows

Species
Heather and devil’s-bit scabious are prominent in the drier areas. Heath spotted-orchids can be found in the marshy areas amongst purple moor-grass and sharp-flowered rush. The young woodland is notable for alder buckthorn and a good range of mosses and liverworts. Flowers such as St John’s-wort and eyebright can be seen along the verges of the cycle path bordering the reserve. 
The mix of habitats also makes the site very good for insects, from hoverflies to grasshoppers. On hot summer days, dragonflies skim over the pond and butterflies such as small skipper, large skipper, meadow brown and small heath can be spotted in the grassland.  
Goldcrest, long-tailed tit, bullfinch and treecreeper occur all year in the woodland. Siskin and redpoll are frequent in winter and crossbills have occasionally been recorded in the larch plantation next to the reserve. Summer visitors include willow warbler, blackcap and occasional wood warblers. 
Access
There is easy access along the adjacent cycle path. The reserve is on a moderate slope.
Directions
From Pontypool, take the A4043 north. Approximately 1km north of the town centre, as you approach Pontnewynydd, turn left up Merchants Hill (after the Texaco garage and just before the Baptist chapel). Turn right after 100 metres into Elled Road, just after the narrow bridge. After about 200 metres, just beyond the Little Crown pub, the road meets the well-marked cycle path. There is car parking next to the pub. Walk for 5 minutes out into the countryside along the cycle path, and the reserve entrance is on the left (grid ref: SO 269 015). Various bus services run within walking distance of the reserve.
Nearby reserves
Henllys Bog and Coed Meyric Moel
What to see around the reserve
Pontypool Park is considered to be one of Wales’ finest parks. The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site covers the head of the valley. It includes Big Pit and the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway (the highest standard gauge railway in Wales). The nearby Brecon Beacons National Park is excellent walking country.

Photos

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