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Nestling below the conifer plantation of
Tranch Woods, this small reserve supports a variety of habitats
along the Torfaen cycle path. The young woodland contains
a good range of mosses and liverworts.
Species
Heather and devil's bit scabious are prominent
in the dryer areas. Orchids can be found in the marshy areas
among the purple moor grass and sharp flowered rush. Other
species can be seen along the verges of the cycle track (a
disused railway line) include St John's wort, eyebright and
salad burnet. The mix of habitats make the site very good
for insects. Butterflies such as small skipper, large skipper,
meadow brown and small heath can be seen in the summer.
Goldcrest, long-tailed tit, bullfinch and
treecreeper occur in the willow scrub and fringing woodland.
Siskin and redpoll are frequent in winter and crossbills have
been recorded in the larch plantation next to the reserve.
Woodcock are occasionally flushed from the bracken and summer
visitors include willow warbler and blackcap. |
