Llanymynech Rocks

LLANYMYNECH ROCKS nature reserve is a splendid example of how nature can re-assert herself in a habitat created by human activity. The reserve occupies 9ha (22 1/2 acres) of abandoned limestone quarries astride the Welsh/English border - hence the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust has a joint management agreement with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

The reserve is on the southern tip of the spur of Carboniferous Limestone which runs down through North Wales from Llandudno via Llangollen and Trevor Rocks to terminate here in a steep-sided, flat topped hill. Llanymynech Hill and Llynclys Hill adjoining to the north is all within a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

That interest, largely related to the distinctive limestone flora on the open grassland and woodland, is heightened on the reserve by the presence of the vertical quarry faces which provide an unusual inland cliff habitat.

On the quarry floor and spoil tips, 70 years of neglect has allowed a limestone grassland to re-establish itself on the thinner soils, whilst woodland is evolving wherever ash and hawthorn can gain a foothold. This natural succession through scrub to woodland is the main management problem confronting the Trust. Travellers' joy (old man' beard, wild clematis) gives little joy to the warden and volunteers who try to limit its spread, and that of self-sown exotic conifers from the adjoining plantation.

The reserve is at its best on warm days in early summer. The grassland provides a feast for human eyes as well as for butterflies. In amongst the grass itself, which includes that very distinctive species of limestone, quaking grass, there are orchids, salad burnet, milkwort and the inconspicuous but delicate fairy-flax.

Later in the summer marjoram gives a show of pink along the wooded margins of the paths, whilst the still-sparse vegetation of the spoil tips is punctuated with the bright flowers of yellow-wort. This plant can be readily identified even before it flowers by the way that the stem grows up through the fused bases of the pairs of opposite leaves. Carline thistle is another sure indicator of alkaline soil conditions, with its unusual (for a thistle) golden brown flower. Much less conspicuous are the small upright trumpets of felwort or autumn gentian.

The common blue butterfly is one of the most numerous here. Also a member of the 'blue' family is the brown argus - apparently no relation at all on the upper side of the wings that are brown, spotted on the outer edge with orange. But look on the underside as it rests with its wings folded up and you will see the distinctive pattern of the 'blues'. The grayling butterfly is another scarce species found here.

Apart from adding drama to the setting, the old quarry faces provide safe sites for cliff-nesting birds ranging from the very familiar jackdaw to the much rarer peregrine falcon.

This is a good place to examine the rock more closely, but not immediately below the cliff faces. Weathered blocks show the fossils of the shelly animals that made up the limestone. Most distinctive are the discs of limestone that formed the skeleton of crinoids (stone lilies), which are animals related to the starfish, despite their common name. There are also many shells of brachiopods, a once common group of animals superficially similar to cockles but with a quite different internal structure.

Llanymynech Rocks is a superb reserve to visit, but it must be treated with respect. Keep to the paths. Keep well away from the foot and the top of all cliffs. Do not enter the tunnel through the rock or any caves and crevices.

Llynclys Hill, a northward continuation of the Carboniferous Limestone, where the extensive Common is managed as a reserve by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

The Montgomery Canal below the east side of Llanymynech Hill was the main means of transport for the limestone from 1796 to 1936. Now being restored to navigation but the best wildlife sites are being protected.

GRID REF : SJ 263216

ACCESS : Open at all times. On Offa's Dyke National Trail and served by a number of footpaths.

PARKING : At the end of the unmetalled lane on approach to reserve from north or in Llanymynech village to south.

TIME : Allow at least 1.5 hours to reach the reserve and wander around at leisure.

Prices

Free entry

Open all the time

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