Wildflowers

Meadows & Minibeasts

Insects

Cardiff’s iconic reservoirs

Meadows & Minibeasts

Plants

Wildflowers flourish at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs, as they did in the hay meadows of earlier times.

Many of the plants recorded are typical of such old established meadows and include species such as pignut, quaking grass, yarrow and yellow rattle. Five species of orchid have been recorded at the site – the early purple orchid, common spotted orchid, common twayblade orchid, green-winged orchid and bee orchid, although the latter two are rare.

There are locally rare water plants and important populations of lichens and mosses too.

Insects

Due to the abundance of wildflowers, there is a diverse array of insects, particularly butterflies.

Examples of butterflies include marbled white, painted lady, clouded yellow, comma, orange-tip, gatekeeper, common blue and brimstone.

Grassland

Wildflowers are thriving thanks to our new mosaic approach to our grass cutting regime. This innovative change to the way we manage our SSSI grassland is not only beautiful to look at but also seems to be having a dramatic effect on all aspects of Lisvane & Llanishen’s ecology.

This sophisticated solution has been agreed between Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Natural Resources Wales and Cardiff Council, and has already yielded results beyond all our predictions. Not only is it benefiting our local pollinators, but many of our important grassland species are now having the opportunity to flower and then go to seed, further diversifying and consolidating our less ecologically rich areas.

Waxcaps also prefer grazed meadows where the grass is short and so the relatively frequent mowing of the grass has a similar effect to grazing.

Wildlife & Nature Highlights

Woodland

Explore our nature trails in the semi-ancient and more recently established woodland on site. Find out about our education zone and Wildlife Haven…

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Birds & Birdwatching

The mix of woodland, grassland and waterside habitats makes this an area rich in birdlife. Discover which birds make Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs their home.

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Wildlife & Nature

Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs forms a vital part of the green and blue infrastructure of Cardiff and has great ecological value particularly for fungi and overwintering birds.

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Fungi

The embankments of Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoir are of special interest for their significant populations of grassland fungi, particularly the rare waxcap…

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Take Care

In order to help us protect the diversity of plants and insects at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs, please take care when you walk around the site.

Please use signposted trails only and keep off the grass at all times.

Please take notice of our seasonal path closures.

Wildflowers