WelshFalcon
Well-known member
Llyn Llech Owain, Gorslas, near Cross Hands
Signposted off the A476 through Gorslas (just outside Cross Hands towards Llandeilo)
County Park developed around the lake created by peat extraction over the centuries. Though the more romantic of you might prefer to believe the legend which gives the lake it’s name!..more later!
Conifer plantations around the lake and the acidity of the ground and lake itself means this can seem a very quiet place for birding, but there is plenty to see if you take time to wander round.
Woodland birds are plentiful, especially chiffchaff, willow warbler and wood warbler in summer. Goldcrests are everywhere, as are treecreepers and coal tits. Willow tit occur especially along the boardwalk though the marsh.
On a summers evening, close to dusk, roding woodcock, barn and tawny owls can be seen. Kestrels, peregrine and buzzard are regular. Reports of goshawk in the conifer plantations.
Plenty of wintering thrushes in the adjoining fields near the car park – redwing and fieldfare.
On the open land, stonechat are resident, whinchat are summer visitors, tree and meadow pipits found round the lake margins.
The lake itself has very little bird-life due to the acidic nature of the water. Mallard do breed, and some gulls do use it as a communal roost.
Easy flat walks round the lake and through the woods. Much has wheelchair access. A lot of disturbance from dog-walkers, so early morning is best.
The Legend of the Lake. – The fairies had given the local people a magic spring, which was covered by a large piece of slate. Owain, one of Arthur’s knights, had set off with his men, and were thirsty, so they drank from the spring. But they drank too much and became drowsy and slept. The spring poured forth water, and when Owain awoke, he found the lake around him. In order to stop the flow, he rode his horse at speed around the lake 3 times. In shame at what he had done, he took his men to a cave, some 5 miles away where they rested and slept. The legend has it that they are still asleep, and will rise at a time when their country needs them. (I wish they’d come and help us when we play England at Rugby! – a few armoured men on horseback would come in handy!)
Signposted off the A476 through Gorslas (just outside Cross Hands towards Llandeilo)
County Park developed around the lake created by peat extraction over the centuries. Though the more romantic of you might prefer to believe the legend which gives the lake it’s name!..more later!
Conifer plantations around the lake and the acidity of the ground and lake itself means this can seem a very quiet place for birding, but there is plenty to see if you take time to wander round.
Woodland birds are plentiful, especially chiffchaff, willow warbler and wood warbler in summer. Goldcrests are everywhere, as are treecreepers and coal tits. Willow tit occur especially along the boardwalk though the marsh.
On a summers evening, close to dusk, roding woodcock, barn and tawny owls can be seen. Kestrels, peregrine and buzzard are regular. Reports of goshawk in the conifer plantations.
Plenty of wintering thrushes in the adjoining fields near the car park – redwing and fieldfare.
On the open land, stonechat are resident, whinchat are summer visitors, tree and meadow pipits found round the lake margins.
The lake itself has very little bird-life due to the acidic nature of the water. Mallard do breed, and some gulls do use it as a communal roost.
Easy flat walks round the lake and through the woods. Much has wheelchair access. A lot of disturbance from dog-walkers, so early morning is best.
The Legend of the Lake. – The fairies had given the local people a magic spring, which was covered by a large piece of slate. Owain, one of Arthur’s knights, had set off with his men, and were thirsty, so they drank from the spring. But they drank too much and became drowsy and slept. The spring poured forth water, and when Owain awoke, he found the lake around him. In order to stop the flow, he rode his horse at speed around the lake 3 times. In shame at what he had done, he took his men to a cave, some 5 miles away where they rested and slept. The legend has it that they are still asleep, and will rise at a time when their country needs them. (I wish they’d come and help us when we play England at Rugby! – a few armoured men on horseback would come in handy!)
