Withybeds

Photo by Joan Payne

About the Reserve

The Withybeds are managed as high forest. A circular path has been created which is suitable for people using wheelchairs.

The Withybeds is leased from Powys County Council. Both the River Lugg and the Withybeds are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reserve is approximately 1.3 ha (3.21) acres) in size.

Wildlife of Interest

Birds: the 31 breeding species recorded include Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, Marsh and Willow Tits, Redstart, Stock Dove, Little Owl, Song Thrush, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Bullfinch, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Moorhen, Coot, Goldfinch. Visitors include: Dipper, Kingfisher, Swift, Curlew, Collared Dove, Tawny Owl.

Other species of interest include Wood and Yellow-necked Mice, Frogs and Grass Snakes.
Invertebrates include the Hoverfly Episyrphus cylindricum, the Pond Snail Succinea putris, and a number of Dragonflies and Damselflies, including the Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula. Meadow Brown butterflies are common in summer.

Directions

The reserve can be reached by taking the Knighton road (B4355) out of Presteigne . After some 400m (before crossing the Boultibroke Bridge over the River Lugg) a small car park appears on the right-hand side of the road. There is enough space here for around 8 cars. Alternatively, on foot the reserve can be found by taking a left turn at the bottom of Pound Lane in Presteigne.

NGR: SO 309 651