Ynys Dawela
Situated adjacent to the west of Brynaman, Ynys Dawela Nature Park nestles in the upper reaches of the Amman Valley. Its northern boundary is the Brecon Beacons National Park with the rugged backdrop of the Black Mountain whilst the river Amman, with its fringe of ancient oak woodland, forms its southern boundary. The park covers an area of 39 acres (15.8 hectares) and was once a working farm. The meadows dating from this period now support a rich assortment of flowers, some of which are scarce, like the Whorled Caraway and Meadow Thistle. The meadows are at their most beautiful in late summer when most of the flowers are in bloom.
The park has a range of important habitats supporting a diverse assemblage of plant and animal life. The wet grasslands, marshy ground and ponds are particularly important to amphibians, like newts, frogs and toads whose numbers are in decline throughout the world.
The site narrowly escaped opencast mining, before Dinefwr Borough Council secured its future by purchasing it from British Coal. Since then the park has been developed for quiet recreation and educational use. Its patchwork of meadows woods and wetlands, linked by a series of paths are now open for all to enjoy. The park is managed by Carmarthenshire County Council supported by volunteers from the Friends of Ynys Dawela.
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