Nant Menascin.

There is a small but beautiful little stream named Nant Menascin that originates on the foothills of the Brecon Beacons and flows down through the pretty village of Llanfrynach. It then meanders across farmland and under a bridge on the Monmouth and Brecon canal before crossing the Usk valley to join the river of the same name just north of the village of Pencelli. Alongside the Menascin there is a SSSI named Coed Nant Menascin where many plants and trees exist in various habitats. Coed Nant translated means wooded stream or brook, the word Menascin is somewhat more difficult to translate, one possibility offered is by RJ Thomas in ‘The Names of Welsh Rivers and Streams’, suggests that it was a combination of ma-, meaning 'place, flat', and the personal name Hesgyn. Whatever it means will never be known with any confidence, that will be lost in the mists of time. Where this little jewel flows through damp habitat, the Marsh Marigold, the ‘King of Buttercups’ grows in profusion.



The Marigolds are interspersed with the beautiful Wood Anemone, sparkling white with a delicate pink blush, and also the Lesser Celandine that ubiquitous yellow flower of spring. It’s uplifting to be amongst all this natural beauty on a fine spring morning while the scene is embellished with the song of Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap.

Dippers populate the Menascin - totally at home as they forage for food and raise their young in its fast flowing crystal clear watery habitat.



Places like this are as good as any medical help for people feeling low in these difficult times and I highly recommend a visit.