"I noticed a comment about Cwm Clettwr on the Ceredigion
blog a few days ago - it sounded nice and I wondered where it was. On Monday
30th April we were travelling from Pembrokeshire (where we live) to Machynlleth
(where we have a caravan) and called in at the excellent "Cletwr" café/shop for
breakfast. Whilst there I spotted a leaflet about Cwm Clettwr - the penny
dropped - it was very close so off we went up the hill along the narrow road
(with absolutely no passing places!) and we parked in the little lay-by.
I could
hear a Wood Warbler singing before I even got out of the car! It was bright and
sunny but very cold with a strong northerly wind - but down in the cwm it was
paradise! We heard at least 10 male Pied Flycatchers singing - well, uttering a
few tuneless notes - and managed to see most of them - one was in almost
female-type plumage. It was fascinating to see the Pied Flycatchers holding
territories in the regenerating birch scrub, with just the odd mature oak to
sing from. All they seem to need is a nest box and one oak tree!
There were also
plenty of Wood Warblers but we only heard one Redstart. What a lovely spot, and
we had it to ourselves. We are members of WTS&WW so this reserve is
technically in "our patch" but we had never heard of it. We have
now!"
Peter and Rosemary Royle,
St Brides,
Pembrokeshire