Brynberian Moor
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Brynberian moor is located on the northern side of the Preseli ridge and like the rest of Mynydd Preseli is an open access area. It forms part of a large site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and is also designated a special area for conservation (SAC).
The moor is a mosaic of both wet and dry heath, species-rich grassland, flushes and bubbling mountain streams. In the summer it is grazed by sheep and ponies which are an essential element to the maintenance of the habitat.
For access, park either at the cattle grid at Tafarn y Bwlch or in the layby at the Brynberian turn and walk a very short distance onto the moor. The area is not suited to wheelchair access.
What's there?
Brynberian Moor is home to several rare species but it is the sheer variety of plants, birds and insects that make it special. The nationally scarce Southern Damselfly breeds in the shallow pools and streams and rare plants include Pale Butterwort and Bog Orchid also found in the wet areas. Much more noticeable are the rosy carpets of Sundews which like the Butterwort use their sticky leaves to trap insects.
The extra nutrients absorbed from the unsuspecting insect prey are the equivalent of a vitamin supplement to compensate for the impoverished soil in which they grow.
Sundew
Cotton-grass, Bog Asphodel, Ivy-leaved Bell-flower and Heath Spotted Orchid are a few of the many interesting plant species, while the actual heath vegetation of western gorse, heather and bilberry provides habitat for many day-flying moths and butterflies. In particular Green Hairstreaks, Clouded Buff, July Belle are among a host of others and up to 10 species of dragonfly can be seen on a sunny day in June. Of these the Beautiful Demoiselle is the most striking, but keeled skimmers and the huge Golden-ringed Dragonflies are both impressive and numerous.
Golden Ringed Dragonfly
During spring the air is also alive with bird song. The Meadow Pipit is probably the commonest species and despite its subdued plumage tones is easily noticed as it delivers its song from the air during a parachuting descent flight. The Meadow Pipit is the main host species for Cuckoos which are present from late april to mid June. They are still heard frequently at Brynberian and other heathland areas but they have become very scarce in the county in recent years. Brynberian is now the only site in Pembrokeshire where Whinchats still breed regularly and there have recently been about a dozen pairs. Redstarts and Wheatears can be found around the edge of the moor while overhead there is a very good chance of seeing a Red Kite.
