Limestone pavement, woodland and grassland with fine views of Penrhyn Bay.

Bryn Pydew is one of the best sites in Wales to see plants of limestone pavement and grassland. The reserve lies on Carboniferous Limestone. The thin soils and rocky outcrops make it unsuitable for agricultural improvement and in the past it was probably only used for rough grazing. As a result the site has a wide variety of limestone-loving plants. This richness was recognised following a survey of all the limestone pavements in England and Wales in 1974 and the reserve was established in 1976.

The reserve is situated about two miles west of Colwyn Bay, on the lane between the village of Pydew and Llangwstenin Hall. There is a car parking area alongside the lane (OS (1:50,000) Sheet 116).

For further information on this reserve, please contact Rob Booth on 01248 351541.

photograph by Jen Berry