NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Merthyr Mawr Warren
A Landscape of National Importance
The Estate is proud to manage and look after the glorious Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve, an SSSI and SAC extending to 840 acres and fronting a 1.3km sandy beach.
The Reserve is home to the second highest dunes in Europe, as well as a wide range of habitats and associated flora and fauna, including a number of rare and endangered plants, insects, birds, and fungi.
About Merthyr Mawr Warren
Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve is a remnant of what was once one of the largest dune systems in Europe, stretching from the Ogmore estuary in the east to the Gower peninsula in the west.
The dunes were formed in stages during a succession of stormy periods beginning during the late Neolithic era when the lower part of the Reserve began to be covered by sand. However, it was not until the 13th and 14th centuries that shifting sand blown inland by a series of violent storms covered the limestone plateau that runs across the Reserve from west to east. This created what are the second highest dunes in Europe, including the ‘Big Dipper’, the largest dune on the Reserve at 200 feet high.
A Rich Archaeological History
Despite the increasing encroachment of the sand, the area had a long and continuous history of habitation with archaeological finds dating back to the late Neolithic period, the early Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and through to later Roman occupation. As a result of this rich archaeological history, a large part of the Reserve is now a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument.
A quarter of all Welsh flora species can be found within these 840 acres.
A Changing Landscape
Over the last three quarters of a century, the dunes have seen a dramatic change in character from a landscape consisting largely of mobile, drifting sand, to what is today a highly vegetated and stabilised landscape.
Managed in medieval times as a valuable warren with a full-time warren keeper, the dunes have historically supported a large population of rabbits which played a crucial role in keeping vegetation cover to a minimum. The devastating impact of myxomatosis from the 1950s onwards has decimated the population and allowed vegetation to get a firm foothold.
Conservation and Management
While some of the resulting habitats such as the limestone grassland provide an important refuge for rare insects and flora, a key part of the management of the Reserve includes the destabilisation of the sand nearest to the sea. This has re-introduced some of the dynamic movement of sand that provides a crucial habitat for a number of rare insects and flora that inhabit the dunes.
Elsewhere, the rabbit population together with grazing livestock and some mechanical mowing, help to keep rank vegetation at bay, and provide habitats for the rich variety of flowers and insects which characterise the Reserve especially during the summer months.
Wildlife and Habitats
Today, the Reserve is home to a large variety of habitats including some areas of mobile sand, damp dune slacks, dune woodland and scrub, limestone grassland, an unusual karstic system of seasonal spring-fed lakes, and Atlantic saltmarsh.
The associated diversity of wildlife includes a quarter of the Welsh species of flora, as well as a number of endangered insects, birds, and fungi, which together make Merthyr Mawr an exceptional and special place.
Access and Activities
Certain activities within the Reserve require a permit. Please make sure to arrange your permit before arriving.
Horse Riding Permits
A permit is required to ride on the Reserve. Permits can be purchased online. Please make sure to purchase a permit before arriving at the Reserve.
Purchase a permitProfessional Dog Walkers
Permits are required for professional dog walkers. Permits can be purchased online.
Get in touchCommercial Activities
If you are an individual or organisation planning an event or activity on the Reserve, please be aware that you will need a consent. To discuss your requirements please get in touch.
enquiries@merthyrmawr.comOr call 01656 662413
Get Involved
Visit our Facebook page to find out about opportunities to volunteer, and for updates on activities taking place on the Reserve.
You can also download the Merthyr Mawr app which provides information about the Reserve together with some guided walks.
Learn more about the appAccess and Parking
The main point of access to the Reserve is Candleston Car Park in Merthyr Mawr. An ANPR system operates at the car park. Car parking season tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines. Toilet facilities are available in the car park.