Craig Cerrig Gleisiad a Fan Frynych
Craig-Cerrig-gleisiad a Fan Frynych lies in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, and dramatically illustrates - on a huge scale - the glacial processes that carved the shape of this fantastic landscape. The reserve itself is an upland area of steep sided crags, sharp escarpments, huge lumpy moraines and a large shady north-facing cwm. These steep slopes are welcome refuges for communities of arctic-alpine plants and some rare birds, while there are also a variety of smaller habitats within the upland. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, as a great many archaeological remains lay testament to – including an Iron Age village and a Roman road and tollhouse. Many of these are scheduled ancient monuments. The reserve is actively managed by allowing grazing cattle and sheep to roam and roll, which helps control bracken levels.
The reserve also forms part of the Brecon Beacons Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) & Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The cliffs, glacial landforms and moorland can be enjoyed at any time of year in this glorious landscape. Upland flowers and birds are at their best and most visible in the spring, especially in May and June, and heather is at the height of its glory in late August and September.
All in, the flora comprises about 300 species, about 100 of which are mosses and liverworts.
Of major interest is the arctic-alpine flora that occurs mainly on the cliffs, where such species are comfortable in their unique microclimate, and where there is very little grazing.
Notable species include the:
• Purple saxifrage
• Green spleenwort
• Lesser meadow rue
• Cowberry
Most of these plants are at, or near, the southern limit of their range in Britain.
The moorland supports two major vegetation types:
• Mat-grass. This is widespread over the uplands of the Brecon Beacons
• Dwarf shrub heath. Which is dominated by heather and bilberry. This habitat was once common over much of these uplands but is now rare.
Small streams, pools and bogs add to the variety of habitats here, which in turn provides a diverse range of species. Typical upland birds often nest on the crags, such as:
• Ring ouzel (in spring)
• Ravens
• Peregrine falcons
Many thanks to Trish Doree, CIP (Certified Interpretative Planner) Information Officer / Swyddog Gwybodaeth Brecon Beacons National Park Authority/Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog Plas y Ffynnon Cambrian Way/Ffordd Cambrian B