Aber Corris Nature Reserve

Abercorris is a three acre site of broadleaved woodland on the steep east bank of Afon Deri combining the woodland habitat with that of the mountain stream below. This lovely slice of broadleaf woodland creates a wildlife corridor, joining and contrasting with the large coniferous plantations of this remote valley.

Though originally it would have been predominantly oak with birch, and alder in the wetter parts, it has become invaded by sycamore, as left to itself this is more successful at regenerating than the preferred native oaks.

Other unwelcome colonists that tend to shade out the more interesting plants are bracken, rhododendron and Japanese knot weed. The last two are exotics, rhododendron being widely planted in the 18th and 19th centuries but now running wild, whilst the knot weed was a 19th century introduction from the Far East which grows excessively in damp woodland.

Walking trails on public footpath are steep in places. The site forms part of a steep valley, without clearly defined paths other than the public footpath that crosses the reserve. Be wary of the fast-running river and please keep dogs on lease at all times. The river is a spawning ground for salmon.

There are plenty of scenically wild places to explore in the vicinity. From Corris village a lane follows the Afon Dulas up into the Dyfi Forest. On the way there are forest trails near Aberllefenni.

Two miles north of the reserve is the start of the south easterly approach to Cader Idris which takes you up past Llyn Cau. For those who don't fancy the climb, turn south westwards down the B4405 alongside Tal-y-Llyn lake. This lake fills a hollow on the flat glacially eroded valley floor - a valley whose straight direction is a result of following a major fault in the earth's crust.

About three miles south of the reserve on the A487 is a tourist attraction of appeal to all those who are environmentally concerned - the Centre for Alternative Technology.

MAPS : LR 124; Leisure Map 23; grid ref : SH 749085
ACCESS: Open all times from the public footpath that runs through it.
PARKING : Pull-in off the A487 about 1 mile south of Corris Uchaf.
TIME : The accessible area of the reserve by the footpath is only a few minutes walk from the car park. A reserve to pause at for half an hour when you are passing.