Long Meadow

Situated in a tiny protected valley between the Brecon Beacons to the west, and the Black Mountains to the east, our site covers an area of just under four acres. The diversity of habitats the land supports, makes it an extraordinarily rare and special resource.

 

While the gentle adjoining slopes of the upland farms have been cleared of trees over thousands of years, Long Meadow’s steep southern and western banks have protected its ancient woodland. Oak, elm, willow, birch, hawthorn, hazel groves and gigantic, ancient fallen trees, cover the banks down to the river Ennig. They provide a habitat for a multitude of woodland animals and plants which flourish within its shaded spaces. Along the woodland’s edge lies a long narrow strip of meadow, after which the site is named.

 

The whole site is split almost exactly in half by the little river Ennig. It flows from North to South in a series of wide rocky stretches, shallow pools and waterfalls, with pebbly banks which enable easy access for young children’s investigations. To the northeast, there is a rich boggy area with its own unique flora and fauna, providing yet another zone of experience. The river path which links the zones, leads on down to the banks of an enormous flat-rocked pool with shingle banks and
moss-covered rocks. In the opposite direction, the path leads to a spacious glade of ash, young oaks and cherry. This much more open space provides the perfect area for gathering in larger groups. The Glade provides a welcome space and ‘basecamp’ from which children are enabled to further explore, as and when they are ready. 

 

All of the above provide a wonderful resource for any educator and nurtures the adventurer, scientific explorer or imaginative child alike. Long Meadow also provides a space of peacefulness for quiet creativity, or meditation, enabling children to not only connect with the natural world and each other but also with themselves.