About the reserve

This splendid reserve lies on a rocky limestone outcrop that raises it above the surrounding area and offers stunning, far-reaching views all year round. Sections of the site were quarried for this limestone in the past and the properties of the underlying rock still shape the vegetation of today. In spring and summer, the site comes alive with wildflowers that thrive in this lime-rich soil, whilst mounds of bare earth provide a glimpse of the busy, city-like yellow meadow ant colonies below. Lush yellow gorse surrounds the site, providing homes for stonechat and linnet, and the air is full of movement as bees and butterflies take full advantage of the flowers on show.

Dexters for diversity

The reserve is managed with the aim of maintaining its patchwork of grassland and heathland habitats. Dexter cattle graze the site and the gorse is cut on rotation to create a diverse age structure. Both actions control the spread of scrub, which would otherwise out-compete the less robust grassland herbs and flowers.

Directions

Mariandyrys is located in the South East of Anglesey. Follow the B5109 East out of Beaumaris towards Llangoed. As you leave the village of Llangoed, take the Left turn signposted to Glanrafron. Follow the road uphill through the village: the track to the reserve is on the Left as you go round a right-hand bend at the top of the hill (SH 603 811). Park here on the roadside and walk to the reserve entrance.