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PWLL-Y-WRACH BRECKNOCK WILDLIFE TRUST [Wales] Nearest Town:  Talgarth (Hay on Wye) OS Map:  161 SO 165326 21 acres (8.5 ha) of broadleaved woodland of considerable botanical interest, set in a narrow steep-sided valley. The reserve also holds a fine sculpted waterfall, some quarry faces and an old tramway. There is also a geology trail and leaflet to the geological features. Location and access:  Talgarth is located between Hay on Wye and Brecon, at the foot of the Black Mountains, within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The wood is about half a mile south-east of Talgarth, on the north bank of the River Enig. To get to the parking (six cars maximum) take the A479 south from the square in Talgarth (first left over the bridge) and fork left almost immediately into Pendent Road. Continue over the river and up the hill past the hospital and follow the narrow lane for a further 250 yards to a reserve entrance on the right; there is another entrance and parking area a little further on. About 650 yards of the path to the waterfall are suitable for wheelchairs. Features:   Woodland flowers   Dipper and other stream wildlife   Geological features   Variations in soil chemistry and drainage make this a varied woodland. Sessile oak grows on the upper, rain-leached valley sides with heather and hard fern pointing to an acid soil. Lower down, however, where nutrients drain down from richer rock bands in the sandstone, there are ash trees and lime-loving shrubs such as spindle and dogwood and plants such as herb Paris, and bluebell carpets the ground in springtime. As for butterflies, they are often attracted to the sunny glades. The speckled wood, with brown and cream spotted wings, is one example - the males are strongly territorial and may be seen fighting in aerial combat. The wood warbler and pied flycatcher are among the woodland birds here, with dipper and grey wagtail by the stream. There are often woodpeckers. The wood is home to the most important colony of dormouse in the region - coppicing encourages the soft fruits and hazelnuts they need. The otter is occasionally present. Rock exposures at the waterfalls and the quarry reveal interesting geological features. An interpretation panel explains the rocks revealed at the main waterfall. A leaflet guiding walkers around the geology trail provides a fuller explanation.