Dolydd Hafren

Dolydd Hafren from the air copyright Brayton Holt

Dolydd Hafren nature Reserve from the air © Brayton Holt

Flowering Rush at Dolydd Hafren Nature Reserve

Flowering Rush at Dolydd Hafren Nature Reserve © MWT

Arable field at Dolydd Hafren

Arable field at Dolydd Hafren Nature Reserve © MWT

Dolydd Hafren Nature Reserve in the winter

Dolydd Hafren Nature Reserve in the winter © MWT

Dolydd Hafren

NOTICE - 18TH NOVEMBER 2024: Recent wet weather and use by farm machinery has left the track to the nature reserve in very bad condition, making vehicular access incredibly difficult. Anyone attempting the track is at risk of getting stuck and stranded. Members are advised to postpone any planned visits until further notice. Thank you!

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158 birds ()
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13 dragonflies & damselflies ()
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19 butterflies + 395 other invertebrates ()
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246 plants ()
Floodplain mosaic

Location

1.5 miles past Forden village
Welshpool
Powys
SY21 8NN

OS Map Reference

SJ201000
A static map of Dolydd Hafren

Know before you go

Size
41 hectares
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Entry fee

No
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Parking information

Follow track down to the Trust car park, but please note that the track is very rough in places and is therefore difficult to access without a 4x4.
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Grazing animals

Cattle graze the reserve but do not have access to the publically accessible areas
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Walking trails

Paths generally flat, but unsurfaced. Steps to access both elevated hides.

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Access

Paths are generally flat, but not surfaced. There are steps to access both elevated hides. Contact the Trust for disabled access information.

Dogs

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Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times and not allowed in the water.

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Facilities

Bird hides

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to June, August to October

About the reserve

Dolydd Hafren is the largest area of unmodified river floodplain in Montgomeryshire. Over time, the unstoppable power of water has created a mosaic of oxbows, shingles, wet meadows, reedbeds, scrub and willow and, of course the river itself.

The team at Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust have enhanced the sites' natural assets through careful management, creating species-rich hedgerows, woodland and scrub. Each year, an area of the reserve is planted with arable crops to provide a giant bird table, as well as encouraging arable weeds.

The great diversity of habitats on this natural floodplain provides for a wealth of wildlife from the rare, inconspicuous Mudwort to the frequently spotted Brown Hare; and if birds are your thing, then Dolydd Hafren is hard to beat!

With such a diversity of species, there is plenty to see at Dolydd Hafren all year round. Migration season in Spring and Autumn can be the most exciting time; you never know what you might see!

For up to the minute bird sightings at Dolydd Hafren, the Montgomery Bird Blog is a great place to start: montgomerybirdblog.blogspot.co.uk 

Follow this nature reserve on social media using #DolyddHafren

Contact us

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01938 555654
Contact email: info@montwt.co.uk