Craig-y-Parcau Local Nature Reserve
At over three point two hectares, Craig-y-Parcau is an oak and ash woodland on a steep slope of the Ogmore River.
It is a haven for wildlife with several footpaths. Look for the ‘robin waymarkers’ which will help to guide you round.
There is a circular walk of about three quarters of a mile. It is quite flat in parts but does require you to use steps. Sections are muddy and uneven.
The top path through the woods is part of the River Ogmore and Merthyr Mawr Circular Walk, which you could continue on with.
Plant species:
- Ash
- Bluebell
- Hartstongue fern
- Herb Robert
- Lesser celandine
- Sessile oak
- Wood anemone
- Wood sorrel
- Yellow archangel
Animal species:
- Blue tit
- Chiff chaff
- Daubenton’s bat
- Green woodpecker
- Kingfisher
- Robin
- Tree creeper
- Willow warbler
- Otter - Look out for their oily droppings which are usually on a prominent stone near the riverbank where they are likely to nest.
The wood is close to the 'Dancing Stone’.
Legend is that when the cock crows on Christmas morning, the ancient stone dances down to the river for a wash.
Keeper of the Ogmore
The 'Keeper of the Ogmore' is one of our ‘Nature Keeper’ oak sculptures.
They add interest to our beauty spots, and with the accompanying poetry, they capture the imagination of younger visitors by interweaving mythology into the sites.
Their aim is to spark an emotional connection to our green spaces, and so encourage people to visit as well as care more for them.
Volunteer or take a school trip here
If you want to support this site, make an educational visit, or do countryside volunteering in general, please contact: