Mariandyrys Nature Reserve

Mariandyrys Nature Reserve

Mariandyrys Nature Reserve © Damian Hughes

Stonechat

Stonechat © Adam Jones

A view across the reserve of Mariandyrys, showing vibrant green fields and trees with a small white house, and a white windmill sticking up out of the landscape, both shining in the bright sunlight. Behind the fields is a mid blue sea scattered with little white sailing boats. On the right hand side Puffin Island and the Great Orme take up most of the water, and are slightly hazy through so much distance and bright sunshine.

Mariandyrys Nature Reserve

Linnet

Linnet © Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Early Purple Orchid - (c) Guy Edwardes/2020VISION

Early Purple Orchid - (c) Guy Edwardes/2020VISION

Mariandyrys Nature Reserve

Wander through wildflowers whilst gazing out to sea or across the Snowdonia mountain range.

Location

Llangoed
LL58 8PH - general postcode for houses around the reserve

OS Map Reference

SH603811
OS Explorer Map 263
A static map of Mariandyrys Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
11 hectares
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

Park on the roadside at the reserve entrance (SH603811). Please keep access clear

Grazing animals

Cattle, all year round.

Walking trails

Although much of Mariandyrys can be enjoyed without undue risk, beware of uneven footpaths, steep climbs and slippery rocky outcrops.

Access

Cattle grids and stiles at the reserve entrance may restrict access but otherwise the reserve is an open space with steep paths in places

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Summer

About the reserve

This splendid reserve lies on a rocky limestone outcrop that raises it above the surrounding area and offers stunning, far-reaching views all year round. Sections of the site were quarried for this limestone in the past and the properties of the underlying rock still shape the vegetation of today. In spring and summer, the site comes alive with wildflowers that thrive in this lime-rich soil, whilst mounds of bare earth provide a glimpse of the busy, city-like yellow meadow ant colonies below. Lush yellow gorse surrounds the site, providing homes for stonechat and linnet, and the air is full of movement as bees and butterflies take full advantage of the flowers on show.

 

Dexters for diversity

The reserve is managed with the aim of maintaining its patchwork of grassland and heathland habitats. Dexter cattle graze the site and the gorse is cut on rotation to create a diverse age structure. Both actions control the spread of scrub, which would otherwise out-compete the less robust grassland herbs and flowers.

 

Directions

Mariandyrys is located in the South East of Anglesey. Follow the B5109 East out of Beaumaris towards Llangoed. As you leave the village of Llangoed, take the Left turn signposted to Glanrafron. Follow the road uphill through the village: the track to the reserve is on the Left as you go round a right-hand bend at the top of the hill (SH 603 811). Park here on the roadside and walk to the reserve entrance.

Contact us

Chris Wynne
Contact number: 01248 351541

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)