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Pentwyn Farm Reserve
This 11ha reserve, based on a
traditional small farm, is important for its four unimproved hay meadows (Pentwyn
Meadows and Bush Meadows) and hedgerows. It ranks as one of the larger
areas of unimproved grassland remaining in Gwent and is a SSSI.
In Spring early purple orchids and cowslips
are present and it is a good spot for migrant birds.
The floristic display continues into
Summer, when a range of orchids (greater butterfly, green-winged, common
spotted and common twayblade) are mixed into the colourful carpet of
ox-eye daisy, hay rattle and eyebright amongst others.
The hedgerows provide good habitat for
dormice, and in Autumn characteristic partially eaten hazelnuts betray
their presence. The hedgerows also provide plentiful food supplies for
overwintering flocks of birds such as fieldfares and redwings.
The traditional small farm layout of cottage, green
lanes, stone stiles and dry stone walls has been
maintained. The barn is known to date back to ca 1400
and has been renovated. No artificial fertilizers have been applied for
20 years or more and no pesticides used in farming.
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