|
The large mound is the remains of a motte and
bailey castle, believed to have been built by Cadwallon ap Madog
in the 12'"century.
The woodland is exceptionally important for its ancient pollarded
oak trees. These are considered to be up to 450 years old and are
amongst the oldest trees in Radnorshire. The largest has a girth
of over 6.3 metres. Pollarded trees were originally sustainably
`harvested' for timber by cutting branches at a height that
was clear of the attention of browsing animals.
| Ancient trees of this age are one of the rarest habitats
in Europe and the UK has a large proportion. They support a
range of rare and declining species of epiphytes (plants, including
mosses and lichens, which grow on other plants). Over 100 species
have been identified on the reserve. |
| In spring the reserve is a carpet of wild flowers. Bluebells
dominate large areas. Yellow Archangel, Cuckoo Pint, and Moshatel
are frequent throughout the wood with Wood Anemone, Sancile
and Ramsons are scattered throughout. |
 |
Alongside the stream there are a few patches
of Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage. Early Purple Orchids
occur in several places and Tenby Daffodils have become naturalised
here.
The scrub on the motte is an important habitat for birds, including Yellowhammer,
Blackcap and Garden Warbler in summer. In the woodland many species typical of
oak woods nest , including Nuthatch, Greatspotted Woodpecker and Pied Flycatcher.
Buzzards commonly roost in the woodland.
Small mammals on the reserve include Yellow-necked Mouse, Mouse, Bank Vole, Common
Shrew and the seldom observed, and nationally rare, Dormouse. Insects include
Speckled Wood butterflies and the scarce Cloaked Carpet moth. |
From Clyro village take the unclassified road
North, up the hill, just before the main road through the village
joins the A438.
This road would eventually lead to Painscastle. After about
half a mile there is a track to Court Evan Gwynne on the right
and
the gateway to the reserve is on the left side near the start
of the track. Park here avoiding obstruction to the track.
This 3.4 hectare ( 8.4 acre) dingle woodland
was purchased by the Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage
Lottery Fund.
Mae Cwm Byddog yn bwysig oherwydd y coed Derw
sydd gyda oedran 0 450 o flynyddoed. Maent yn garteref i nifer
o rhywogaethau prin,
fel mwswglau a "lichens". Mae'r coed wedi cael ei thocio.
Yn byw yn y goedwig mae'r llygoden pathew, sydd y frin ym Mrhydain.
Ceir gweddillion o gastell mwnt a beili. Credir eu adeiliadu yn
y 12eg ' ganrif gan Cadwallon ap Madog.
|
Photos & Text