Wern Claypit Nature Reserve

The Wern Claypit Nature Reserve was one of the first reserves to be built on the Montgomery Canal and is located at the sump of the canal, the part of the canal through which all the water of the canal drains. It is on the site of a former claypit, re-engineered to form a canal-like meanders. On site you can also see the site where a watermill building once stood. The reserve is now well established is home to a wide range of wildlife.

Hidden beneath the water, but visible from the pond dipping platforms are a range of water plants including the internationally rare floating water plantain. The ponds also support a range of invertebrates including dragonflies and damselflies. The grassland is rich in wild flowers and support grass snakes.

Situated between the two villages of Arddleen and Guilsfield the area around the Wern has good views of the Breidden Hills and Rodney’s Pillar and is a particularly attractive walking area as it is linked to a number of quiet country roads and tracks making circular walks in the area possible.

A short walk from the Nature Reserve can be found Burgedin Lock Cottage, which comprises of a small complex of listed structures including the cottage, old toll house, store and pigsty, George Buck paddle gear and two locks. A further exploration of the area will lead you to Arddleen village, and facilities include Wide Water Wharf and the Horseshoe Pub.

The reserve and adjacent towpath area have a number of picnic tables and benches (as does Burgedin Lock Cottage) making the area a pleasant place for an afternoon out or a pleasant spot for a picnic. There is a small car park at the nature reserve. The more adventurous traveller can reach the Wern by bus- alighting at Arddleen (ask for Burgedin Lock Cottage) and following the towpath south until the reserve is reached. It is also pleasant to walk from Welshpool northwards to reach the Wern.

The Montgomery Canal towpath is accessible for the whole of it’s 35 mile length.

Car park, picnic table, benches, pond dipping platform.

Bus route near by (alight at Guilsfield/ Arddleen) Ask for Burgedin Lock Cottage
Nearest train station Welshpool or Gobowen
www.traveline-cymru.org.uk
0870 608 2 608.

We offer:

• Nature reserve