Gilfach Farm is a place I wanted to visit last year but it never happened, so I have decided this is the year I will go. It will take me about two and half hours depending on traffic and the dreaded sat- nav directions.  

The weather is due to break this week, so I need to go as soon as possible. Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers should be feeding young. The Redstarts will be visiting the feeding station.

Dippers and Wood Warblers should also be around so it has the potential to be a fruitful trip.

It is my last big trip before I go to Turkey on June the 4^th for two weeks. I will be taking my 7D and 300m f4 lens with me as I don’t fancy carting my  500m and mk4  with me.

Situated in a beautiful setting at the confluence of the Marteg River with the River Wye in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales, Gilfach is locally unique because of its wide variety of habitats: high moorland to enclosed meadow; oak woodland to rocky upland river. Because of this variety the farm supports a tremendous abundance of birds and animals within a comparatively small area. This richness of wildlife has adapted to living in the various habitats created over the centuries through the practice of traditional farming.

The farmyard, with its Welsh longhouse, is central to the reserve. The house is a traditional building in Wales, developed over many centuries from a wooden cruck-framed medieval hall. The Gilfach Longhouse forms the perfect complement to the Education and Visitor Centre which has been created through the conversion of the 18^th century stone barn opposite. The Centre utilises a 'high-tech' approach to the interpretation of the wildlife of the Reserve. Nest-boxes fitted with cameras link to a monitor system in the Centre, as does pre-recorded footage of Gilfach's badger and other mammal activity. A gift shop and restaurant area, in addition to other picnic sites, complete the facilities which are accessible to wheelchairs.

Directions:

Gilfach is just off the A470, seven miles from Llangurig and two miles from Rhayader. Follow the brown Nature Reserve signs. The Visitor Centre is one mile across the Reserve.

Website:

For more information, check Gilfach Farm's own website at www.radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk