Things to do in Rhondda Cynon Taff

The site has a selection of habitats including a large pond, marsh, flood meadow, acidic Oak and Ash woodland and scrub.

The nature reserve features a large nutrient-poor glacial lake, overlooked by dramatic north-east facing cliffs and scree, dotted with rowan trees. The damp and shady outcrops, ledges and crevices provide undisturbed habitat for montane species such as Wilson’s Filmy Fern and Fir Clubmoss, and other interesting species such as Cowberry and Beech Fern.Part of the Craig y Llyn SSSI. Also includes part of the Cwm Gwrelych and Nant Llyn Fach Streams SSSI.

Darren Fawr is the largest and most spectacular of the Trust’s reserves. It consists of a steep hill-side, covered with loose, grey limestone scree, cliffs and an undulating hill-top with good views of the surrounding landscape.

Ancient broadleaved woodlands, calcareous grasslands, river, and cliffs. Part of the Cwm Taff Fechan Woodlands SSSI, and a Local Nature Reserve.

Ancient upland Oak woodland, stream, and waterfalls.

Marshy grassland and lowland wet heathland. The site is part of the Llantrisant Common and Pastures SSSI. The site is covered by a Tree Preservation Order.

Brynna woods comprises of 38ha of secondary, and some ancient, semi-natural woodland, scrub, marshy grassland, dry grassland and ruderal habitats.

A restored opencast site consisting of grassland, woodland, wetlands, including lakes with bird hides. Green Flag Accredited Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre.

Ancient upland Oak woodland, stream, and waterfalls.

Ancient broadleaved woodland, which is located across the boundary between acidic and calcareous soils.

A mixed secondary woodland supporting a large heronry.

Once the largest steelworks in Europe, nature is returning to transform this site into an urban oasis full of wildflowers, birds and insects.

An acidic pond, within an ancient woodland site under restoration.

An ancient woodland sanctuary amidst the industrial past of the South Wales Valleys. With far-reaching views across the Ebbw Valley, it is a great place to visit throughout the year.

Allt Rhongyr is within the Brecon Beacons National Park, adjacent to Craig y Rhiwarth Nature Reserve and offers dramatic views of the Tawe Valley. It features a diverse mix of limestone grassland, acidic grassland and woodland and it was once the site of an iron age hillfort.

Coed y Bwl is an ancient Ash woodland situated on the northwest side of the Alun Valley and overlies the Carboniferous limestone. The site is a notified SSSI.

This reserve, once the site of extensive coal mining, is a great example of how nature has reclaimed the landscape. It is a rich mix of wildlflower meadow, rhos pasture and young woodland. It is one of the best sites in Wales for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.

The nature reserve consists of three wildflower meadows and a large area of woodland. The nature reserve lies on the site of a former coal mine and is a wonderful example of how nature can reclaim an area.

Cwm Wanderers once played football on this site. It is now a nature reserve of wet tussocky grassland known as Rhos pasture. It is home to the rare marsh fritillary butterfly

Clinging to the slopes of Machen Mountain, this reserve may be small but its broad-leaved woodland, limestone grassland, tumbling streams and pond are home to a wealth of wildlife.

Ancient broadleaved woodland with some scrub and a meadow. Part of the Nant Whitton Woods SSSI.

A small but perfectly formed valley mire, full of rare and interesting plants. Encircled by alder and beech trees, this reserve has a wonderful feeling of seclusion and tranquillity.