Cae Blaen-dyffryn

Cae Blaen-dyffryn comprises a single, sloping field situated alongside the A482. The reserve is particularly important because of its large area of grassland that is rich in wild plants.

Cae Blaen-dyffryn ©Bob Gibbons/Plantlife

This type of habitat was once widespread in this part of Wales but is becoming increasingly scarce due to modern agricultural practices.

The grassland on the upper parts of Cae Blaen-dyffryn is on well-drained soil. Here, grasses such as Crested Dog's-tail, Sweet Vernal-grass and Common Bent grow together with an impressive variety of herbs including Devil's-bit Scabious, Bird's-foot-trefoil, knapweed and uncommon species including Greater Butterfly-orchid, Lesser Butterfly-orchid and Moonwort.

Ragged robin © Simon Williams/Plantlife

At the bottom of the slope, where drainage is impeded, mire vegetation has developed, characterised by abundant tussocks of Purple Moor-grass and herbs such as Angelica, Marsh Thistle and Common Valerian.

The reserve is lightly grazed by a mixture of cattle and donkeys during the summer and autumn. Grazing is vital to prevent fast-growing grasses and other plants from dominating the less vigorous flowers.

The purchase of this reserve was made possible by Timotei.

Location: near Lampeter, Carmarthenshire. Grid Reference: SN 605 443

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