The nearby river Wye (SSSI and candidate European Special Area of Conservation) is relatively unmodified and encompasses 250km. It includes 4,180 sq. km. in its catchment area. Clyro brook feeds into the river Wye SSSI south east of the village.

Species and habitats subject to E.U. directives or UK legislation should be conserved and enhanced, and opportunities should be sought to enhance habitats which would help target species identified in the Powys Local Diversity Action Plan.

Clyro Brook and Dingle

Clyro brook flows through the centre of the village. It’s a swift-flowing upland nutrient-poor stream, which will support invertebrate fauna such as stoneflies, mayflies and caddisflies, with fish such as brown trout and salmon.

Dormice are present in the Clyro dingle, in particular in the Lower Cwmgwannon SSSI woodland. They are also present elsewhere in the parish in the Bettws dingle, including the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Court Evan Gwynne. Dormice use a range of habitat, including hazel. They travel along aerial pathways such as hedges or trees connecting patches of woodland.

The area of the Clyro brook and the dingle above the village are also rich in birdlife, with sightings of dippers and grey wagtails not uncommon, and kingfishers occasional.

Hedgerows

This part of the country has been fortunate in retaining large numbers of hedgerows, which are essential for maintaining the landscape character of the neighbourhood and supporting wildlife. Some of the local hedges are very ancient, and many would have protection under the 1997 Hedgerow Regulations. Roadside hedges are especially valuable because they are so visible and because in combination with the adjacent grass verge they support much more wildlife than hedges with stock on both sides. Hedges of native species within the village provide visual continuity between the built-up area and the surrounding countryside. Many local farmers have taken advantage of various grant schemes available to renovate hedges through "laying" and planting in gaps. The Tir Gofal agri-environment scheme requires a quarter of hedges to be left untrimmed each year so that they can flower and fruit, and recommends trimming in late winter after birds and mammals have had the benefit of the fruit and nuts.

Trees

Mature trees have a key rôle in the landscape of the area and host a range of birds and insect life. Right in the centre of the old village is the church and churchyard with its fine collection of ancient yew trees, and a magnificent Scots pine. There is a magnificent oak tree in the Old Smithy Orchard, and other very fine trees at Cae Mawr, Clyro Court and Lucombe. Further out in the parish are a number of woodlands. One of these, below Cwm Byddog house, contains fabulous ancient oak trees, regarded as among the oldest in Radnorshire. This 10 acre site is now a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Elsewhere in the parish there are a number of other ancient trees of considerable size." The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust has acquired an 8.5 acre site including many of these trees, and after considerable work by volunteers and the Trust, this site is now a designated nature reserve.

Hedgerows with trees support more wildlife than the hedgerows alone, so it is important to conserve hedgerow trees, even if they are not fine individual specimens. Dead standing trees and fallen timber host masses of wildlife and should not be cleared up for the sake of tidiness unless they are an obstruction. An example is the fallen tree on the Bron.

Roadside verges

Roadside verges have become much more important as a home for flowers such as primrose, cowslips and orchids; insects such as bumble bees; mammals such as dormice and birds such as yellow hammers. Moreover, the roadside verges are the visible face of the countryside for residents and visitors alike, and many people want to see the flowers and other types of wildlife flourishing there.

Forty years ago the verges would not have been subject to the rigorous mowing that is now normal. The growth of traffic has made the lanes dangerous and so removal of vegetation which obstructs visibility is essential. However, many people feel that present day mowing practices go further than is necessary for maintaining visibility and are resulting in a loss of flowers and wildlife on the verges. In consultation with the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Powys County Council has now designated a number of verges in the county with exceptional botanical or wildlife interest as Roadside Nature Reserves, and there are four of these in the parish of Clyro. These will get special management by the council. The community has planted native trees on verges in the village and in time these will enhance the environment.

PPG9 gives direction to the local planning authorities in their decision-making with respect to land use and development. The presence of a protected species is a material consideration in considering a development proposal. Habitats may also be protected. Undertaking a survey early on in the development process can save time and money later on.

Barn conversions will require a survey for the presence of bats or their roosts, for example. Mitigation measures may have to be considered. Before any work affecting bats or roosts is undertaken, a Habitats Regulations Licence must be applied for and obtained. Consultation will be required with the Countryside Council for Wales. (01597) 827400)

The natural environment of the village and the surrounding countryside is one of the community’s greatest assets. It is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and its conservation through careful management is important for both the quality of life of people who live here and in supporting the large part of the local economy that depends on tourism.

Some of the local wildlife has been lost over the last half century because modern economic life has led to more house building, road widening and intensive farming. From a distance the landscape may look little changed, but a closer look reveals far fewer flowers, insects and birds.