Cefn Cenarth (North)
SIN 967 763 (O.S. Sheet 147 Elan Valley & Builth Wells)
History
(Drawing: R Burton)	Purchased by the Trust in 1973, the wood is part of a much larger block of woodland typical of the uplands of this part of mid-Wales. Though shown on the 1939 tithe map of St. Harmon it is clear that large sections have been clear-felled during the first and second World Wars. Prynodd yr Ymddiriedolaeth y safle ym 1973 a mae'n rhan o goetir llawer iawn mwy, sy'n debygol iawn o dir uchel yn y rhan yma o ganolbarth Cymru. Er ei fod ar fap o 1939 o ardal St Harmon, mae'n eglur bod y rhan fwyaf ohono wedi cael ei dorri yn ystod y ddau Rhyfel8yd.
Wildlife of Interest
(Photo James Blair)	Sessile Oak dominates the canopy. Bilberry and Cow-wheat are frequent in the ground layer as is the moss Rhytidiadelphus loreus. Lichens include the nationally scarce Biatora chrysantha (the sole Radnorshire site), Bryoria subcana, Usnea glabrescens and Pertusaria opthalmiza (one of 2 Welsh sites). Breeding birds (34 species) include Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, 3 species of Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush. Visitors include Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven and Cuckoo. The Cow-wheat Shield Bug (Sehrius bigutatus) and brassycoloured Ground Beetle (Calosoma inquisitor) are found along with the oak feeding Longhorn Beetle (Leiopus nebulosus). The Green Oak Tortrix Moth (Tortrix viridaria) is common, its caterpillars providing an important source of food for birds in the spring. Galls are frequently encountered including Common Spangle Gall, Silk Button Gall, and Oak Apple Gall.

Directions

The reserve is reached by taking the B4518 from Rhayader towards Pant-y-Dwr and Llanidloes. In the centre of Pant-y-Dwr there is a minor road to the west, take this road around the foot of Cefn Cenarth Hill. After about 2 miles there is a very sharp turn to the left, with a track directly in front of you, you will need to park here. Please do not block any openings or the highway. Proceed on foot along the forestry track for another 1/4 mile, past the conifer plantation before you reach the reserve. A gate and a sign on the right of the track marks the entrance.

Status

The reserve is freehold since being purchased in 1973 with the generous help of the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Prynwyd y safle yma ym 1973 gyda chymorth ariannol hael yr Ymddiriedolaeth Natur y Byd.

Cefn Cenarth (South)

SN 965 757 (O.S. Sheet 147 Elan Valley & Builth Wells)

History

Cefn Cenarth (south) is complimentary to the Trust's northern block of woodland at Cefn Cenarth. The 1839 tithe map of St. Harmon parish shows the reserve as woodland. It may be that this reserve was used in the local tanning trade or for use as charcoal in local lead ore mines. Long sections of woodland may have been felled at any one time.

Mae map o 1839 o blwyf St Harmon yn dangos fod safle Cefn Cennarth (Deheuol) fel coetir. Mae'n debygol bod y safle wedi cael ei ddefnyddio mewn diwydiannau lleol, a'r coed wedi cael eu torri i lawr mewn darnau mawr.

Wildlife of Interest

Sessile Oak dominates the reserve, with Rowan a common species. Bilberry and Wavy Hair-grass in the ground layer. Lichens include Usnea glabrescens, Pertusaria multipuncta, and Sphaerophorus globosus, also the moss Bartramia pomiformis is found here.
Birds: 40 species recorded of which 28 breeders. These include Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Song Thrush, Greenfinch, Garden Warbler, Jay, Wren, and Great-spotted Woodpecker.
The rare fungus gnat `Keroplatus testaceus' has its larvae feeding on Birch polyporus fungi.

Directions

The reserve is reached from the B4518 at Pant-y-dwr. In the centre of the village is a road to the west. Follow this road for approximately half a mile, following sharp round to the left where the road has a right angled bend. The reserve is situated on the right after a further quarter of a mile or so. There are a number of lay-bys to park in. The actual reserve entrance gate is marked with a panel and sign.

Status

The reserve covers some 14 acres (5.7 ha), the freehold acquired in 1982 with a very generous donation from the Oakdale Trust.

Mae'r gwarchodle 14 acr (7.5ha) yma wedi bod dan ofal yr ymddiriedolaeth ers 1982 ar ol derbyn cymorth ariannol hael gan yr , ymddiriedolaeth oakdale.