Bachawy facts for kids
The Bachawy (also known as Welsh: Nant Bachawy) is a small river in Powys, Wales. It starts high up in the hills north of a place called Painscastle. The river flows first towards the southeast, then turns southwest near Rhos-goch. After Painscastle, it heads more to the west, curving around the western side of the Begwns hills. Finally, it flows into a wooded valley and joins the River Wye near Erwood. The Bachawy is like a smaller stream that feeds into the bigger Wye.
Rainwater from the southern slopes of Llanbedr Hill and the northern slopes of the Begwns hills all flows into the Bachawy. The valley where the Bachawy flows is mostly made of ancient rocks like mudstones and siltstones, which formed a very long time ago in the Silurian period.
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Where Does the Bachawy Flow?
The Bachawy river begins its journey in the hills north of Painscastle. It then travels through different areas, changing direction as it goes.
- It starts by flowing towards the southeast.
- Near Rhos-goch, it turns and flows southwest.
- After Painscastle, it heads more directly west.
- Finally, it wraps around the western end of the Begwns hills.
As it flows, the Bachawy drops into a beautiful wooded gorge. This is where it meets the River Wye, adding its waters to the larger river.
Nature Along the Bachawy
The area around the Bachawy river is home to some important natural places. These places help protect different kinds of plants and animals.
Rhos Goch Common National Nature Reserve
Near the eastern part of the Bachawy's catchment area (the land where all the rain drains into the river), you'll find the Rhos Goch Common National Nature Reserve. This is a special place where nature is protected.
Llan Bwch-llyn Lake
Another important nature spot in the Bachawy's area is Llan Bwch-llyn Lake. A small stream flows out of this lake and joins the Bachawy river. This lake is the biggest natural body of water in the old county of Radnorshire. It's so important that it's been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a place with special plants, animals, or geology that needs to be protected.
What Lives in and Around Llan Bwch-llyn Lake?
The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust helps manage Llan Bwch-llyn Lake. They work with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water to look after the lake and its surroundings. It's a great place for both wetland plants and many different birds.
- Plants: Some interesting plants you might find here include bogbean, lesser skullcap, devil's bit scabious, and globe flower.
- Fish: The lake is home to fish like northern pike, European perch, and common rudd.
- Birds: Many birds use the lake for breeding. These include the sedge warbler, Eurasian reed warbler, common reed bunting, coot, moorhen, and water rail.
- Winter Visitors: In the colder months, other birds come to visit the lake. These include teal, tufted duck, mallard, pochard, and goldeneye.
The famous Reverend Francis Kilvert, who was a curate from Clyro, even mentioned Llan Bwch-llyn Lake in his diary!
Images for kids
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The Bachawy River
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Bachawy Valley
