Pen-yr-hen-Allt
Description
Description The site contains important examples of unimproved meadowland and pasture, and is one of a series of grassland sites considered to be of national significance for nature conservation. The two fields south of the minor road are traditional upland hay meadows with a flora typical of that which was once common in meadows in northern Britain. Here the sward contains such notable plants as globeflower Trollius europaeus, greater butterfly-orchid Platanthera chlorantha, fragrant orchid Gymnadenia conopsea, bitter-vetch Lathyrus montanus and adder’s-tongue Ophioglossum vulgatum, together with a variety of characteristic grasses and other herbs. North of the road is an areas of sloping pasture, noted chiefly for its meadow saffron Colchicum autumnale, a plant which was once locally widespread in parts of Britain, but is now very uncommon and confined mainly to the southern part of the country. Remarks: Within the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Species mentioned
Show the 6 species mentioned in the description, with red-list status| English name search for this in other sites |
Latin name search with Google |
IUCN / Red List | Type | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| adders-tongue fern | Ophioglossum vulgatum | LC | fern | ophioglossaceae |
| autumn crocus or meadow saffron | Colchicum autumnale | NT | herb | colchicaceae |
| fragrant orchid | Gymnadenia conopsea | NT | herb | orchidaceae |
| bitter vetchling | Lathyrus montanus | Not listed in GB list | herb | fabaceae |
| greater butterfly orchid | Platanthera chlorantha | NT | herb | orchidaceae |
| globe flower | Trollius europaeus | VU | herb | ranunculaceae |
Insects to look out for
These moths, butterflies and beetles are known to feed on plants recorded at this site, and carry a notable UK conservation status — but a host-plant being present doesn't mean the insect has actually been recorded here. Treat this as "worth watching for," not a confirmed sighting.
| Species | Status | Via host-plant |
|---|---|---|
| Golden plusia Polychrysia moneta |
Endangered | Trollius europaeus |
Host-plant data: Cook et al. (2025), Traits data for the butterflies and macro-moths of Great Britain and Ireland, 2024, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology / Butterfly Conservation; and Padovani et al. (2020), Database of Insects and their Food Plants (DBIF), UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (both Open Government Licence). Contains data supplied by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.