TALYBONT RESERVOIR
Situated in one of the most beautiful valleys in South Wales
At 318 acres, Talybont, opened in 1938, is the largest reservoir in the county and is easily viewed from the road along the western shore or from trails through the eastern woodlands, the circular walk being about six miles. Another trail some 400 feet above the western shore passes through Talybont Forest. Boating is not allowed, which means birds are not disturbed, while a hide overlooks the wetlands at the southern end. DAVID SAUNDERS
WHERE TO WATCH
1
The solitude on reaching the reservoir provides a welcome contrast to the bustle of the Usk Valley’s main highways. There’s an opportunity to view the river below the dam, haunt of Dippers and Grey Wagtails, joined in summer by Common Sandpipers, which also frequent the reservoir shoreline, the silence interrupted by their enchanting calls. The shrubbery on the reservoir dam is always worthy of attention as shortly before dusk in winter Greenfinches and Redwings are among birds coming to roost.
2
Goosanders were first confirmed as nesting in Wales in 1970, this at Lake Vyrnwy, Montgomeryshire, but colonisation of other lakes and rivers quickly followed, including Talybont Reservoir, where up to 90 have been recorded during the winter. A visit late in the day can be rewarding as these striking ducks begin to return to roost. Tufted Duck and Goldeneye both occur in winter, the former the most numerous.
3
A well situated hide overlooks the upper reaches of the reservoir and the adjoining wetland where mini-headlands and islets depending on water levels provide an ideal habitat for dabbling ducks, especially Wigeon, Teal and Mallard. Perhaps as many as 20 Whooper Swans winter in Breconshire, some of which may take up temporary residence in this section of the reservoir.
4
Vast swathes of coniferous plantations dominate both sides of the reservoir. Beyond Talybont Forest on the west bank the ground rises steeply to some 2,537 feet; there’s a memorial marking the memorial to five Canadians killed when their Wellington crashed just below the summit in 1942. A highlight of any visit to these winter woodlands is to accidentally flush a Woodcock; perhaps as many as half a million arrive in Wales each autumn, some having travelled from east of the Urals.