Gilfach Nature Reserve

Gilfach nature discovery centre situated in a beautiful setting at the confluence of the Marteg River with the River Wye in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales, Gilfach is locally unique because of its wide variety of habitats: high moorland to enclosed meadow oak woodland to rocky upland river. Because of this variety the farm supports a tremendous abundance of birds and animals within a comparatively small area. This richness of wildlife has adapted to living in the various habitats created over the centuries through the practice of traditional farming.

Follow the walking trails through meadows peppered with anthills, look out over the valley with its glorious views and spot a dipper on the River Marteg as it tumbles down through the reserve and over the waterfalls - where in November you might just glimpse a leaping salmon.

There are some lovely waymarked trails to help you enjoy Gilfach, and good picnic spots too. This is a working farm, so you are likely to see farm animals on the way. Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead to reduce disturbance to farm animals and wildlife.

The traditional barns are now a 'Nature Discovery Centre' with information and exhibitions about the reserve. The 'byre' (attached to the longhouse) and toilets (including disabled) are open all year for visitors, and there are picnic benches too. The visitor centre is generally open in the school holidays and sometimes in the week and weekends. Light refreshments are usually available. We rely on volunteers for this so we apologise if you find it unexectedly shut.

If you are visiting with a group, please give us a call on 01597 823298 to find out if the visitor centre will be open and let us know an approximate arrival time and numbers so we can be prepared!

The Wildlife Trail is now accessible to all. The new path’s flat surface allows wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs to roll freely.

Facilities also include a new picnic table overlooking the valley, constructed by skilled Wildlife Trust volunteers.