Local Nature Reserves

Local nature reserves are protected areas that have natural or geographical features of special national or local importance  

The council is responsible for the protection of seven local nature reserves with an eighth to be designated in 2025. 

Local nature reserves are open for the public to enjoy.    

Garn Lakes, Blaenavon 

The reserve’s three lakes are home to breeding wildfowl, wading birds and a variety of dragonflies such as the black tailed skimmer. There is a wetland area with bird hide.  

Blaenserchan, near Abersychan 

This area is due to be designated a local nature reserve in 2025. The 86-hectare site is home to several notable species including several orchids, knotted pearlwort, rough clover, small cudweed, and moonwort. It is also home to 30 types of butterflies. 

Tirpentwys, Pontypool 

Tirpentwys used to be an old tipping site but has been reclaimed by nature and is now made up of several habitats, including ponds, woodland, and streams. 

Cwmavon Corridor, near Blaenavon 

This 45-acre reserve includes a cycle trail, which follows the route of an old railway through grassland and mature woodland of sessile oak, beech, and hazel at an altitude of 300m. Look out for woodland birds such as pied flycatcher, wood warbler and redstart. 

Cwmynyscoy Quarry, near Pontypool 

Situated within a disused quarry, this reserve is home to several important species, including noctule bats and barn owls. 

Churchwood and Springvale ponds, Cwmbran 

Located next to Greenmeadow Community Farm, this reserve contains ancient woodland and a series of ponds and wetlands which are important for a range of wildlife. 

Henllys Open Space, Cwmbran 

This reserve is made up of a range of habitats, from grassland and brooks to majestic broadleaf woodland. It is home to a wealth of wildlife, such as the marbled white and meadow brown butterfly. 

Llwyncelyn, Cwmbran 

Located next to Llwyncelyn Cemetery with panoramic views, this reserve has the biggest flower meadow in Torfaen.  

The Gwent Wildlife Trust manages another three local nature reserves: 

Branches Fork Meadows, Pontnewynydd 

This small reserve lies below the conifer plantation of Tranch Woodand supports a variety of habitats including a pond, damp heathy grassland, willow scrub and young oak woodland. 

Coed Meyric Moel, Cwmbran 

This small urban reserve comprises a meadow and a small area of oak woodland. It is a good site for birds, butterflies, and other insects.  

Henllys Bog Site of Special Scientific Interest  

A small valley mire surrounded by woodland with a large and interesting flora. The reserve is managed by the Friends of Henllys LNR

Last Modified: 04/03/2025 Back to top