Cardiff: Taff Gorge Woodlands

In the Taff Gorge at the northern edge of Cardiff are beech woodlands at the western limit of this species’ native range. They grow on Carboniferous limestone and sandstone in a former coal-mining area. Coed-y-Bedw Nature Reserve (Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales) includes ancient broadleaved woodland while the adjacent Lesser Garth Wood is a SSSI and part of the Cardiff Beech Woodlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Calcareous springs and streams run through the woods. The area has a rich terrestrial mollusc fauna, and old woodland species including Leiostyla anglica, Malacolimax tenellus and Phenacolimax major have been found in the woods or nearby. Azeca goodalli, reported from the area in 1897, is apparently the only record for VC41, so is worth targeting. A mollusc species list for the area would be welcomed by the Wildlife Trust and others. Many hands should make light work of this!