ExploreÂ
Radnorshire, located in the heart of Wales, is home to a diverse range of wildlife that is unique to the area. Rhiw Wood Treehouses is honoured to have a large number of birds and animals inhabiting the ancient wood on their property, and they have taken steps to protect and preserve the ecosystem.
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One of the most significant steps Rhiw Wood have taken is building four new bird box villages to provide homes for the returning birds. This includes the endangered red list redstart and pied flycatcher. The family is passionate about providing a safe environment for these birds to nest and raise their young, helping to increase their numbers and protect them for future generations.
Visitors to the area can listen out for the resident hoot of the owl, the whistle of the red kites as they soar above, and the knock-knocking of the woodpecker. These sounds are all part of the natural orchestra that can be heard when exploring the ancient wood.
If you set yourself down at the base of an ancient oak, you might even catch a glimpse of the little deer that visits or watch the squirrels play. The family has also taken steps to replant oak saplings and build natural bug hotels, which provide shelter for a variety of insects and invertebrates.
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While it's important to enjoy and appreciate the wildlife, visitors are reminded to take care not to disrupt the ecosystem. This means no fires, BBQs, or smoking inside the wood gate. The family has provided a safe area for this, so visitors can still enjoy outdoor cooking and socialising without disturbing the natural habitat.
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In May, visitors can witness the breathtaking beauty of the bluebell carpet that covers the forest floor. This is a sight not to be missed, and it's a reminder of the importance of preserving these natural spaces for future generations.
Autumnal colours provide another stunning display of nature's beauty, with the leaves changing to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. And when snow falls, it's time for sledding. Visitors will love the steep bank next to the wood for this, and it's a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.
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In addition to the birds and animals, Radnorshire is also home to a large number of sheep. Visitors can watch as these gentle creatures graze in the surrounding fields, providing a glimpse into the rural way of life in Wales.
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It's important to note that the lane from the pub has no lighting, so visitors are advised to bring torches. This is not only for safety but also to minimise the disruption of the nocturnal birds and wildlife in the wood.
The Area
The area in between the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons is known as the Mid Wales region. It is a beautiful and diverse part of Wales, with rolling hills, forests, rivers, and valleys.
The area is sparsely populated, with small villages and towns scattered throughout. The largest town in the area is Llandrindod Wells, which is known for its Victorian architecture and natural springs. Other notable towns in the area include Builth Wells, Rhayader, and Brecon.
The Mid Wales region is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and bird watching. The Elan Valley is a particularly popular destination, known for its stunning reservoirs and dams.
The region is also home to a number of historic sites and attractions, including the ruins of Tintern Abbey, the Brecon Mountain Railway, and the Owain Glyndwr Centre in Machynlleth.
Additionally, the area is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal destination for stargazers and astrophotographers. In fact, the Brecon Beacons National Park was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2013, recognizing the area's exceptional quality of night sky, The Cambrian Mountains has nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites and an IDA International Dark Sky Park (Elan Valley Estate), an area recognised for “possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment."
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Visitors can take part in stargazing events, astronomy workshops, atro trails and night walks to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of the night sky in this region.
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You can find out more about the local area by visiting some of the useful websites linked below:
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