Rhiwledyn is a 12 acre reserve situated close to the sea, two miles to the east of Llandudno.
The eastern part of the reserve, which forms part of the Little Orme Site of Special Scientific Interest, is a limestone grassland with some exposed limestone.
The western part of the reserve mainly contains blackthorn scrub and unimproved grassland. The reserve was left to the Trust in 1994 in the will of Miss Holden, one of our valued benefactors.
Rhiwledyn nature reserve forms part of a limestone outcrop that extends from Anglesey along the North Wales coast and south to Llangollen.
The limestone was formed over 320 million years ago in a shallow tropical sea and contains the fossilised remains of corals and other sea animals. Limestone is slowly dissolved by rainwater and produces alkaline soil. Fractures and joints in the rock allow rainwater to drain away, producing a dry habitat.
Visiting the Reserve
The reserve is located 2 miles to the east of Llandudno adjacent to the B5115 Colwyn Bay Road (SH 814 821). From Llandudno take the sea-front road towards Penrhyn Bay. The reserve is on the land-ward side of the Little Orme, opposite the Craigside Inn. The nearest parking is at the lay-by in Bryn-y-bia Road (SH 818 819).The reserve entrance is through the kissing gate, way-marked as the North Wales Path, a public footpath from the main road. Alternatively, you can approach the reserve from the east from Penrhyn Bay along the North Wales Path, entering the reserve through a kissing gate (SH 814 823).
For further information on this reserve, please call Rob Booth on 01248 351541.
