Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Also within

Dyfed County

Habitats

Carr

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

Description

Description Geological The long history of mining and the presence of gold in a variety of modes of occurrence and with a number of associated minerals makes this site one of the most important examples of mineralisation in great Britain. In addition it is the first recorded locality for cookeite (a lithium-aluminium-hydroxy-silicate) and is the only known British example of gold mining by the Romans. Biological The predominantly oak woodland and willow carr which has developed around the old workings support a wide range of moss, liverwort and lichen species. Mosses and lichens also occur on the mineral-rich rock outcrops. Species of very restricted distribution have been recorded such as the lichen, Rhizocarpon furfurosum, known elsewhere in Britain only from Cumbria. Also of note are the colonies of hay-scented buckler fern Dryopteris aemula, an 'Atlantic' species which is rare in Wales. It grows at the entrances of several of the adits. The woods also provide a valuable and varied habitat for small birds such as pied flycatcher and redstart. Remarks: The site is owned by the National Trust.

Species mentioned