The reserve's broad expanse of woodland coats a steep-sided gorge, through which the Afon Prysor cascades.
However, the conditions are not kind to flowering plants, due to the shady and damp nature of the environment.
[3][4] The animals of the woodland are also thriving, with many small mammals such as the wood mouse, otter and bank vole making their homes near the river.
Otters have difficulty with food, as the acidity of the river water means that fish are not in abundance.
In terms of predators, the mice and voles are easy prey for a buzzard, which are frequently spotted.