4. Craig-y-Nos, Brecon Beacons National Park.

Limestone Country - Management Issues

Leader: Richard Levy [Brecon Beacons National Park]

All day visit with gentle to moderately paced walking around four different limestone sites, managed by four different organisations. Join staff from all the organisations as they explain the management issues at each location:

• Craig y Rhiwarth Site of Special Scientific Interest - limestone cliff and scree with ash woodland and lower flora interest (Brecknock Wildlife Trust)
• Herb-rich river meadows at Craig-y-nos Country Park (Brecon Beacons National Park Authority)
• Craig-y-nos Quarry - limestone grassland and native woodland scheme (National Showcaves Centre for Wales (Dan-yr-Ogof)
• Ogof Ffynnon Ddu National Nature Reserve - limestone pavement and experimental grazing regime (Countryside Council for Wales)

Start point:
Craig-y-nos Country Park, upper Swansea Valley on the A4067 (toilets, vending machines for refreshments)

Morning:
Walk through the Country Park to visit Craig y Rhiwarth SSSI (20 mins walking time, level ground). Explore the site with Wildlife Trust staff and the County Recorder. Then back through the Country Park to see the hay meadows (25 mins walking time, level ground,) with the Country Park Manager and the National Park Biodiversity Officer. Lunch in one of the picnic areas at the Country Park

Afternoon:
Out of the Country Park to view the Craig-y-nos Quarry (20 mins walking time, moderate to steep ascent but opt out possible) with National Park staff and staff from the National Showcaves Centre for Wales (Dan-yr-Ogof). Return to the Country Park to board coach for a drive to Penwyllt. Disembark for visit to Ogof Ffynnon Ddu NNR (moderate ascent, over a mile of walking possible) with Countryside Council for Wales staff. Return to coach for travel straight back to Swansea (option to re-visit Country Park for toilet break)

This excursion requires gentle to fairly moderate exertion - see the details given above.