Nature
If you want to get back to nature, take a stroll through our web guide of nature reserves and organisations in Mid Wales. If you want to add a site to the list, fill in a form by clicking here.
Abandoned Communities
http://www.abandonedcommunities.co.uk/
This website commemorates all abandoned communities but focuses on a number of specific places that have been deserted at various times, for various reasons. It includes sections on Mynydd Epynt, reservoirs including the Elan Valley, and the deserted mining village at Dylife.
Suggested by Stephen Fisk
Brecon Beacons National Park
http://www.breconbeacons.org/
From paragliding to windsurfing, gliding to kayaking, the Brecon Beacons host a range of outdoor activities and this website is a good starting point for visitors and locals alike. There's a diary of events, activities and guided walks in the area (although you won't find much going on in the winter months). You can also find out here what the Park Wardens do and read more about the work of the National Park Authority which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the park, planning applications etc.
Coed Cymru
http://www.coedcymru.mid-wales.net
Established in Newtown in 1985, Coed Cymru is a national organisation which aims to bring Welsh broadleaf woodlands into sustainable management. The site directs users to sources of help, publicises forthcoming events and even offers downloadable pictures - some dating from the 19th century.
Countryside Council for Wales
http://www.ccw.gov.uk
The CCW is the Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters. The site offers a wide selection of material ranging from grants to earth science, marine issues to agriculture, landscape and wildlife protection.
Elan Valley
http://www.elanvalley.org.uk
The Elan Valley was once home to 100 people, 18 farms, a school and a church. This website tells the story of how the locals were moved and the buildings demolished in order to flood the land, creating a series of dams to provide clean water for the people of Birmingham. The site also tells today's visitors what the Elan Valley can offer, saying that the 70 square miles of moorland, bog, woodland, river and reservoir are of national importance for their diversity of lower plants and that the estate is the most important area for land birds in Wales. There's an up-to-date list too of events and walks around the estate.
Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve
http://www.rspb.vyrnwy.org
This website does what it says on the home page - it's a guide to help you find your way around and enjoy the wildlife here. There are basic maps showing the various trails and hides, descriptions of the different habitats and a multimedia gallery which includes photos, facts and some video clips of the reserves birds (though the video clips are not as exciting as they sound)
Leaping Stiles
www.leapingstiles.co.uk
This website for walkers offers maps and information on thirty walks in Mid-Powys. Users will be able to search for walks by area, route distance, difficulty, duration, and those offering disabled access and pet friendly routes. Maps and instructions can be downloaded free-of-charge.
A wealth of supporting information has also been brought together on the site, including local weather forecasts, details of nearby walking groups, and listings of forthcoming walking events.
Montgomeryshire Nature Trust
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/montwt
A colourful, well-designed site giving information about the wildlife and habitats of this part of Powys. There are sketch maps for each of the 18 nature reserves managed by the trust and a calendar of events, such as walks, bird-watching sessions and work parties for clearing scrub etc. A handy site for both trust members and visitors.
National Federation of Badger Groups
http://www.badger.org.uk/groups-wa.html
The federation is dedicated to the welfare and conservation of badgers. Its website includes contact details for Welsh badger groups, including Radnorshire and the Marches.
National Gardens Scheme
http://www.ngs.org.uk
Fans of the Yellow Book will love this website which gives you details of all gardens, mostly private, that open to the public for a few days each year under the charitable National Gardens Scheme. The Gardenfinder section allows you to search for gardens in your area and find opening times and directions - saves you buying the Yellow Book!
National Trust
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The National Trust has two special websites covering its role in the conservation of landscapes and Britain's coastline - add /coastline or /environment to the website address.
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust
www.radnorshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust exists to conserve wildlife and habitats in Radnorshire, and to promote understanding and enjoyment of the natural world and the need to protect and enhance it. The website has details of all the Radnorshire nature reserves, including their 400 acre farm at Gilfach near Rhayader. It also has a diary of events and information on how to join the trust or become a volunteer.
Suggested and reviewed by Penny Hurt from Clyro.
RSPB Wales
http://www.rspb.co.uk
There is something for everyone in this site which offers a wealth of information about the organisation and its activities, with extensive resources covering nature reserves, bird watching and conservation. The Wildlife and Conservation section provides information on birds in the region, and tips for anyone who wants to become a birdwatcher, observe wildlife through the seasons or become a volunteer. See also some of the other links on this page which take you directly to two of the organisation's reserves in Mid Wales - at Lake Vyrnwy and Ynyshir.
South and West Wales Wildlife Trust
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/wtsww
The area covered by the Trust is fairly large - stretching from Cardiff in the south to the northern tip of Ceredigion and taking in more than 100 reserves. As you'll see from the websites home page, the Trust's main centre is just outside Cardigan and there's a detailed diary of events, listing walks and talks in the area.
The Woodland Trust
http://www.wildaboutwoods.org.uk
This site covers the history and the current status of woodland in Britain. It offers information in Welsh and English on conservation, events, trails and ancient stories. It tackles issues related to this habitat with a direct, accessible approach.
Ynyshir Nature Reserve
http://www.westwales.co.uk/rspb.htm
Not an inspiring website but it does give some helpful information about opening times, how to find the reserve and what you can expect to see once you get there.
For websites on rural life click here.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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Do you know about another good nature website we've missed? Send us your suggestions in Your Say.
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