Site Code
Country: United Kingdom
Central coordinates: 52.28806573o [52o 17' 17" North], -3.66715429o [3o 40' 1" West]
Administrative region: Wales (Breconshire, Cardiganshire, Carmarthenshire, Merioneth, Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire)
Area: 1873 ha
Altitude: 30 - 480
Site Description
Despite their fragmentation, collectively these woods, scattered around the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains in mid Wales, support an outstanding assemblage of lower plants, many of which are of a restricted distribution centred on the Atlantic sea board of Europe. Sessile oak, Quercus petraea woodland predominates, with a typical upland acidic flora and rich lower plant assemblages including bryophytes and lichens.
Botanical Significance
Noted for vascular, bryophye, lichen and habitat interest. The broadleaved deciduous woodland is known for its lichen and bryophyte community which grow on the trees, rocks and woodland floor in the steep sided valleys of this IPA. The Killarney Fern Trichomanes speciosum is a BAP species present in this area which is included under Criteria A, but is not noted in any of the SAC or SSSI citations.
Management guidance notes
Component sites: Coedydd a Cheunant Rheidol/ Rheidol Woods and Gorge, Coetiroedd Cwm Elan/ Elan Valley Woodlands, Cwm Doethie – Mynydd Mallaen, Elan Valley Complex. Noted for vascular, bryophye, lichen and habitat interest.
Notes
None