Rhayader Tunnel

The site consists of the tunnel, a small area of grassland and woodland to the north, and a larger area to the south. The line was formerly part of the Mid-Wales Railway which closed in 1963. The tunnel entrances were bricked up and grilled to prevent any disturbance to the hibernating bats. The scrub on the west facing bank is coppiced to encourage a wide range of invertebrates, small mammals and birds.

Twnnel rheilffordd tu allan i Rhaeadr yw'r gwarchodle yma. Roedd yn rhan o lein Canolbarth Cymru, a caewyd yn 1963. Mae'r twnnel wedi cau i warchod yr Ystlumod, sydd yn cynnwys ystlumod Daubentons, Natterers a clust-hir. Ceir coetir o gwmpas y twnnel, i hybu bywyd gwyllt. Mae'r rhan fwyaf or coed wedi eu torri'n gwta er mwyn annog amrywiaeth eang o drychfilod, mamaliaid ac adar.

Bats, including Daubenton's, long-eared and Natterer's hibernate in the tunnel. On the grassy embankments a number of interesting plants are found, including Wood Bitter-vetch, Broad-leaved Helleborine and Prickly Sedge. There is an abundance of Willowherbs and rare lichens include Abrothallus bertianus and Arthonia clemens. Nationally scarce or country-rare Woodlice have been recorded as well as the local snail-hunting ground beetle Cychus caraboides. Inside the tunnel the cave spider Meta menardi hangs its webs.
Birds include numbers of finches in the winter attracted to the thistle seed-heads. Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Brambling and Siskin may all be found, as well as occasional Tree Sparrows. The reserve holds breeding Linnet and Tawny Owls. Grey Wagtails are often found in the cutting. Overhead, Raven, Buzzard and Red Kite are often seen.

From Rhayader take the Elan Valley road (B4518), continue on past the turning to Aberystwyth Mountain Road on the right. A further half mile on the left is a lay-by just past a white house. Park here, taking care not to obstruct the gateway. Follow the track marked with a public footpath sign, please close both gates along the way. The reserve entrance gate is across the field, past the small brick pumping station.
Alternatively the reserve lies on the Sustrans path from Rhayader to Elan Valley

The reserve covers approximately 5 acres (2 ha.). The site was purchased in 1992 with a generous donation from the Vincent Wildlife Trust.
The tunnel serves as a hibernaculum for bats. There is no public access to it.

Prynwyd y gwarchodle ym 1992 gyda chymorth ariannol hael gan yr ymddiriedolaeth byd natur finsent.

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