CWM BYDDOG NATURE RESERVE
A magical wooded valley of ancient and veteran trees, Cwm Byddog Nature Reserve is a five-minute drive from Hay-on-Wye, north of the village of Clyro. Spring is the best time to visit for the display of woodland flowers: bluebell, early purple orchid, yellow archangel, dog violet, sanicle and wood anenome among those carpeting the reserve. A large distinctive mound is the remains of a motte and bailey castle, believed to have been built by Welsh Prince Cadwallon ap Madog in the 12th century. The scrub on the mound is an important habitat for birds, including yellowhammer, blackcap and garden warbler. Pied flycatchers return from Africa in March to nest in bird boxes or hollows in the ancient trees. The biggest tree is an oak with a girth of 21ft (6.5m) and is one of a cluster that were once managed as pollards. More than 100 species of epiphytes have been identified on the reserve, and it is an important site for these rare and declining plants. Small mammals living in Cwm Byddog include the yellow-necked mouse, wood mouse, bank vole, common shrew and the rare hazel dormouse.