The sun has been shining for about 3 weeks now, and for the first time in about 7 years the grass is starting to dry off where the soil is thin on the rock. Gilfach nature reserve near Rhayader retains some freshness on the North and west facing hillsides.

The Radnorshire wildlife trust reserve ( http://www.rwtwales.org/index.php/radnorshire-wildlife-trust-reserves/gilfach ) is in a secretive side valley off the River Wye, a couple of miles up the A470 from Rhayader. http://goo.gl/oUUu0

The long house farm house was restored a few years ago and the lower half which would have provided shelter for animals is open to walk into and was quite cool on a warm day.

Above the hill opposite, Yr Wylorn, a Buzzard circled and a Peregrine soared, grasshoppers chattered and down by the stream a Dipper bobbed. If we had stayed until evening we would have seen Bats emerging from the old railway tunnel, but instead we headed off to the Elan Valley visitor centre to top up the stock of Cambrian Safaris leaflets, have an Ice cream and marvel at the variety of different Bicycles for Hire there. The old Railway routes there make great cycle paths. I'll write about the beautiful Elan Valley another time.