Caeau Cwmcoynant (Caeau Cwncaenant)
Geology & landscape
Rock Type: Sandstone
Description
Description This site comprises two small traditionally managed hay fields situated on gently sloping ground at the northern fringe of the Black Mountains near Llanigon. It is an outstanding example of the type of botanically-rich meadow that was once widespread on the Old Red Sandstone in this area. Such sites are now rare as a result of agricultural intensification. The sward is dominated by mixtures of common bent Agrostis capillaris, sweet vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, crested dog's-tail Cynosurus cristatus, red fescue Festuca rubra, common knapweed Centaurea nigra, eyebright Euphrasia officinalis, rough hawkbit Leontodon hispidus, common bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus corniculatus, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata, red clover Trifolium pratense and white clover Trifolium repens. Downy oat grass Helictotrichon pubescens, Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus, yellow-rattle Rhinanthus minor and common sorrel Rumex acetosella are frequent throughout, whilst pignut Conopodium majus, bitter-vetch Lathyrus latifolius and betony Betonica officinalis are locally prominent. A wide range of other species is present, including common spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii, meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis, oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare, tormentil Potentilla erecta, cowslip Primula veris and the locally uncommon greater butterfly-orchid Platanthera chlorantha. Remarks: The site lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park.