Nature’s Gift: Brecon Carreg’s 80-Acre Wildlife Reserve in the Brecon Beacons

Nature’s Gift: Brecon Carreg’s 80-Acre Wildlife Reserve in the Brecon Beacons

In a landmark move for nature conservation in Wales, bottled mineral water company Brecon Carreg has gifted 80 acres of ecologically rich land within the Brecon Beacons National Park to the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC). The donation marks the creation of a new wildlife reserve, now flourishing as a haven for endangered species and diverse habitats.

A Landscape Rich in Biodiversity

The donated land encompasses an exceptional variety of natural environments, including Marshy Grassland, Meadow, River, Scrub, Broadleaved Woodland, Heathland, and Scree. This patchwork of landscapes offers essential refuge for an array of flora and fauna, making it a significant conservation stronghold in the region.

Wildlife in Residence

This rich ecological setting already supports a number of notable species. Early wildlife surveys have already recorded the presence of otters, badgers, and the elusive Horseshoe bat, alongside avian species such as the Cuckoo, Nightjar, Pied Flycatcher, and Ring Ouzel. On evening walks, the soft glimmer of Glow Worms can be seen lighting up the reserve. The presence of the rare Petty Whin plant further highlights the site’s botanical importance.

Practical Conservation in Action

In collaboration with INCC, Brecon Carreg has supported a suite of proactive measures aimed at improving habitats and supporting native wildlife. To date, these include:

• A purpose-built Horseshoe bat roost is already being used by bats.
• Installation of 50 Dormouse nest boxes and 30 nest boxes for Pied Flycatchers
• Erection of a Barn Owl nesting box
• Placement of 10 bat roost towers to increase shelter opportunities

Each initiative is part of a carefully managed conservation strategy designed to reverse the decline of key species.

A Pond for the Future

This past April, the reserve welcomed a group of students and volunteers who took part in a field-based conservation project. Their primary task: digging a wildlife pond in the marshy grassland. The new aquatic feature is designed to attract and support species such as frogs, newts, and grass snakes. In addition, a small stone wall was built along the pond’s edge, providing a basking spot for reptiles and shelter for amphibians.

Looking Ahead: Crayfish Reintroduction

One of the most ambitious goals on the horizon is the reintroduction of the native White-clawed Crayfish, now critically endangered in the UK. Before this can take place, however, the site must be tested for Crayfish Plague, a lethal fungal pathogen. Water samples are currently being analysed, and if the reserve is found to be plague-free, this rare freshwater species could make a comeback in Welsh waters.

Sustainable Land Stewardship

In a nod to sustainable and natural land management, six hectares of marshy grassland have been fenced off to allow cattle grazing. This traditional method helps maintain plant diversity and prevents habitat overgrowth, creating conditions in which native wildlife can thrive.

A Legacy in the Making

With the support of Brecon Carreg, this new reserve not only preserves the natural character of the Brecon Beacons but also provides a platform for ecological education, community involvement, and species recovery. Ongoing updates and conservation milestones will be shared here on website as well as our social media channels—an open invitation for the public to witness nature’s resilience in action.