About the reserve

Cors Ian is an upland valley mire with an interesting mosaic of habitats, hiding a wide array of marsh plants. Amongst the Molinia tufts and rushes a small population of Water Voles is thriving, nesting above ground with their territory extending some way from the central overgrown streambed.

Resident birds on the mire include breeding Grasshopper Warblers and Reed Buntings, with Stonechats, Whinchats and Meadow Pipits on the drier heath. The old hedgerows provide nest sites for Redstarts, Tits and Wrens whilst around the old stables are nesting Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, Swallows and Garden Warblers in the scrub area. Birds of prey that can be seen include Buzzard, Red Kite and occasional Hen Harrier, with corvids including Raven.

Dragonflies, notably the Keeled Skimmer, thrive wherever there is surface water but the most dramatic Golden Ringed Dragonfly can be found hunting amongst the gorse. There are many commoner species of butterflies but also the Marsh Violets support a small population of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.