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Banc Trawsnant

BANC TRAWSNANT

GRID REFERENCE: SN 710827
AREA IN HECTARES: 139.6

Historic Background

This small extent of upland lay within Gwestfa Cwm Rheidol in Cwmwd Perfedd. Its unenclosed character probably means that it was considered Crown land. It was used as sheep-walk and seasonal grazing, a function that has largely persisted to the present day. Metal ore deposits close to the southeast boundary of the area were exploited from the 18th century. Workings from Pwllrhenaid mine encroached into this area from Cwmerfyn valley, while Ceunant mine lay wholly within it. Ceunant mine’s best days were in the 18th century, but working continued into the 19th century (Bick 1983, 39-43)

Description and essential historic landscape components

This small block of upland is now separated from more extensive tracts by a large conifer plantation. It consists of undulating, sometimes craggy, moorland ranging in height from 250m on the lower slopes to over 400m on the peaks. It is a treeless landscape of rough grazing and peaty hollows. Wire fences divide it into large enclosures, but these do not detract from its essentially unenclosed character. There are no settlements. Of note in this otherwise rather drab landscape are the remains of Ceunant metal mine, and the leats that run from reservoirs to the north, crossing high ground, that served mines located to the west.

Recorded archaeology consists of remains associated with the metal mining industry or quarrying, a deserted pre 19th century settlement and a Bronze Age round barrow.

Upland forestry defines this area to the north, east and south. To the west lies the valley mining community of Cwmerfyn and a lower-lying enclosed ridge.

Banc Trawsnant map

Base map reproduced from the OS map with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright 2001.
All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence Number: GD272221