Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust has hosted various field days and an on-line talk related to botany and plants. These events have looked at the botany of our uplands, links to traditional farming methods and plants that were used and valued in the medieval period.
In 2021 we visited Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s Reserve at Gilfach and Cwmffwrn Farm (an upland farm where we are currently undergoing research and excavations). In 2022 we visited sites near the Elan Valley reservoirs. We looked at both the typical and the rare botany of our upland habitats of mid-Wales. All these events have been supported by a grant from Wales Council for Voluntary Action.
Most recently, Fiona Gomersall has shown us the wildflowers of a traditionally managed upland meadow and the botany of an abandoned farmstead in the Elan Valley. David James kindly agreed to accompany the day. He has extensive knowledge of the heritage of the Elan Valley area, and so he talked about the heritage features at each site and we were really fortunate to been able to see the Craig Goch reservoir at a time of unusually low water levels.
Sorcha and Brian Lewis manage Troed Rhiw Draen farmstead near the Craig Goch reservoir and talked to us about their farm history and why they are so passionate about managing the land sensitively. You can read more about Sorcha and Brian’s farming here and here.
Various photos from this field day are below.
If you have observations about the links between our botany and our heritage, particularly in the areas covered by the granges of Abbey Cwmhir, then we would be delighted to hear from you in our comment section below.
What a fabulous day out. Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the two sites. Even the weather turned out better than expected. The meadow was an absolute joy with so many rare plants in flower – we are so fortunate to have this site close at hand.
Thanks to the two experts, Fiona and David for their input and Mel et al for organising it.
We are really pleased that you enjoyed the day.