About the reserve

Set on a limestone outcrop, this reserve encompasses a variety of habitats and provides a haven for wildlife within its very agricultural surroundings. Woodland covers the north of the site; the oak, beech and elm create a thick, shady canopy under which the colours of bluebells, wood sanicle and dog-violet shine in spring. The sounds of woodland birds surround you and speckled wood butterflies spiral amongst the canopy. As the slopes steepen, the woodland gives way to grassland and incredible views of the Vale of Clwyd open up. Dazzling displays of common rock-rose cover the grassland and mark the arrival of summer, infusing the landscape with vivid hues of yellow. As night falls, the grassland reveals its summer secret: the subtle green gleams of glowworms replace the day’s wildflower colours.

Seasonal sheep

The grassland is lightly grazed by Hebridean sheep from late summer into the winter to benefit many native plants by maintaining the low nutrient levels within the soil. Grazing, along with volunteers ‘bramble-bashing’, helps to keep the scrub and encroaching tree seedlings at bay. Intervention in the woodland is minimal: it is managed as high forest, with only the occasional tree felled to create a break in the canopy. This ensures sunlight reaches the ground flora and encourages new trees to develop and replenish the woodland.

Directions

Y Graig can be found about 0.5 miles to the south of Tremeirchion, just off the B5429. From the A55, head South at Rhuallt on the B5429, pass through Tremeirchion, and look for a stone house and a red-brick chapel on the Right. Directly opposite these buildings, turn onto the lane where you can park and access the reserve via a field gate or stile (SJ 083 721).