The Taff Fechan Nature Reserve is located just at the bottom of Trefechan village, wihtin a valley which is marked in places by dramativ gorges, where the cascading water has cut through the underlying limestone. The action of the water has created numerous potholes in the riverbed.The beautiful Blue pool is located at the north of the nature reserve with dramatic cascades through limestone gorges (WARNING - WATERS ARE DECEPTIVELY DEEP AND COLD).
The Nature reserve is rich with wildlife:
Birds seen in the area are dippers, river wagtails, kingfishers, jays, nuthatches, tree creepers, greater spotted woodpeckers, kestrel, raven, carrion crow, buzzards plus much more.
Flowers - Wild Tyme, Birdsfoot trefoil, Fairy Flax, primroses, foxgloves, wild garlic, bluebells.
Trees - mixture of broad leaved woodland which contains oak, ash, birch, beech, dogwood, field maple and guelder rose
There is a range of areas of historical interest in the nature reserve such as:
- site of 18th century corn mill - it is thought that milling on this site dates back to the normans who occupied the nearby Morlais Castle
- Stone bridge - thought to have been a crossing point for the roman road
- remain of Gurnos Mill - orignally a corn mill, which was later converted into a "pandy" (Fulling mill)
- the 19th century Gurnos Quarry which supplied limestone for the furnaces of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks
There is a 3 mile circular route around the nature reserve. Allow 1 1/2 - 2 hours for the walk and expect muddy patches in places. The Trail is best walked in a clockwise direction.
Free copies of the walk and leaflet relating to the Nature Reserve are now available from the Trefechan Communities First office.
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