Things to do in Vaynor, Merthyr Tydfil

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.