The mountain forecast indicated cloud and low hill fog, Nic fancied waterfalls and recent heavy rainfalls would ensure some photogenic water flows so a trip was made to
Coed y Rhaeadr. The area provides an insight into fluvial geomorphology with steep sided ravines cut through bands of shale/siltstones/sandstone and floored by more competent sandstone. The geology is also responsible for the prevalence of waterfalls with rock competence and faults dictating their individual nature. The first photography stop was at Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf on the Nedd Fechan, where the first
Dipper was seen.
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| Sgwd Ddwli Uchaf |
Then a wander down to the confluence with Afon Pyrdin, where water levels indicated that a visit could safely be made to
Sgwd Einion Gam a destination reached by a number of unassisted river crossings.
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| Sgwd Einion Gam |
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| Sgwd Einion Gam |
The area also falls within the
Coedydd Nedd a Mellte Special Area of Conservation designated for sessile oak woods and ravine woodland, with the topography, underlying geology and superficial deposits determining the mixture of trees in the woodlands. With the trees in leaf small leaved limes were evident and took the form of derelict coppice stools of some age. The area has a moderately oceanic climate that combined with a closed tree canopy and high levels of humidity, provide a habitat for bryophytes and ferns. Both
oak ferns and
beech ferns were present along the banks of the Afon Pryddin.
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| Oak ferns (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) |
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| Beech ferns (Phegopteris connectilis) |
A carpet of
enchanter's nightshade also indicated the habitat of a closed woodland canopy and moist soil conditions.
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| Enchanter's nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) |
The trip was a rewarding one, with plenty of interest along the way and further insights gained into the flora and landscape.
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