Next

Why it's special

Penallta Marsh is a small example of rhos pasture located within Parc Penallta. Rhos pastures are a mixed habitat dominated by species-rich purple moor-grass and rush pastures. This type of habitat has been badly affected by changing farming practices and the rhos pastures in South Wales make up a significant component of the world's resource.

What’s there

The marsh comprises of a small, marshy grassland dotted with anthills amongst the purple-moor grass. Heath spotted and southern marsh orchid, saw-wort and devil's-bit scabious provide colour in the summer. Alder and willow trees flourish in the swampy conditions around the edges of the grassland with reedmace, hemlock, water dropwort, hemp agrimony and hairy willowherb all providing an excellent habitat for warblers. It may be possible to catch a glimpse of the elusive purple hairstreak butterfly high up on the mature oak trees.

Planning your visit

Where is it   Penallta Marsh can be found within Parc Penallta.

Grid Reference   ST 136948

How to get there   Details for how to get there can be found on the main Parc Penallta page.

Contact Information

The Education Centre, Parc Penallta, Penallta Road, Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed. CF82 7GL. 

Tel: 01443 816853

Email: countryside@caerphilly.gov.uk

Suggested Content