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The Cwm Clydach National
Nature Reserve is located in the Clydach Gorge at SO 218125 and adjacent
to an area known locally as the Black Rock. The reserve was designated
in 1962. It covers an area of 55 acres or 22.2 hectares. The River
(Afon) Clydach runs through this deep limestone gorge which is home to
what is understood to be the only mature beech woods to have survived
the industrialisation of South Wales. This is quite remarkable given the
proximity of the C18th Clydach Ironworks just a short walking distance
from this location. The ironworks remained in production for around 60
to 70 years and at its peak employed over 1000 people. The remains of
the Ironworks are easily accessible from the Heads of the Valley road
and there is a picnic area and interpretation board.
There is presently concern as
to whether this reserve will be adversely affected by the dualling of
the Heads of the Valleys A470 a section of which overhangs the reserve.
Some rare species of
national importance including mountain sedge (Carex montana) and the
rare Whitebeam (Sorbus porrigentiformis) have been recorded at this
reserve. Also yellow bird's nest (Monotropa hypopitys), bird's-nest
orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) and large wild thyme (Thymus pulegioides).
The reserve contains many species of Moss and during the autumn season
there is a proliferation of fungi.
Several waterfalls can be
discovered along the length of the River Clydach which falls through
this deep limestone gorge. The
Llangattock Escarpment, which is located above Crickhowell the other
side of Mynydd Llangatwg from Cwm Clydach National Nature Reserve. It contains several
important cave systems one of which is called Ogof Daren Cilau which is
the fifth longest cave system in the U.K. at approximately 27km. It
contains one of the longest cave passages in the U.K. known as the Time
Machine. There are two underground camps called the Hard Rock Cafe, and
the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. There is an exit sump from
Ogof Daren Cilau in the Cwm Clydach National Nature Reserve - at a
resurgence called
Pwll y Cwm. To exit at this point requires a dive in
excess of 600 m in length and up to 24m in depth. There is an excellent
gallery and further information at
Daren Cilau. For further advice on caving in the Brecon Beacons
please visit the outdoor
activities caving page.
Members of the public are
permitted to visit this national nature reserve but a permit is
necessary if you wish to conduct research or collect specimens. In
order to obtain such a permit. You would need to contact the
Countryside Council for Wales Maes y
Ffynnon, Fford Penrhos, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DN Tel: 01248 385500
Email: enquiries@ccw.gov.uk
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