A glimpse of Eryri’s magic

We were all looking forward to the lunch break. After a hard morning of footpath maintenance and the National Trust Footpath team humbling us with their apparent nonchalance, we were all desperate for a paned and sandwich with a view. We are extremely lucky with our lunch spots here in Eryri.  

So, when we bumped into a visitor who told us to hike back up the steps we had just walked down, we were more than a bit hesitant. He managed to convince us with a glint in his eye and his bursting enthusiasm. How could we not follow him? Especially as, despite his aches and pains, he was not going to give up the chance to see this rarity, so neither were we!

We followed him back up the footpath, through the maze of rocks and boulders, until he stopped still at a rockface. Now it was a race against time to be the first to spot it. After longer than I care to admit, we saw it. There, clinging on against all odds in a crevice, was the Snowdon Lily, Gagea serotina (or Brwynddail y Mynydd to use its Welsh name).

As a group of nature addicts, we couldn’t believe it! Those who were not so familiar with the plant soon got swept up in the excitement. Brwynddail y Mynydd is a remnant of the UK’s glaciated past, a relic of the Ice Age. An extremely rare Arctic Alpine flower, only known to be found in a couple of areas of Eryri. Climate change, grazing, trampling, along with small and isolated populations (there are only an estimated 100 bulbs in the wild) are but a few of the threats to this species.

On a more positive note, it is one of the most resilient plants here in Wales, specially adapted to survive in extremely harsh conditions. It grows on north facing, craggy locations with high levels of ultraviolet radiation and can survive periods of extreme cold when dormant. It is the pride and joy of many Welsh people, not just for its ecological significance but also for its cultural importance. It is said that these lilies sprung up wherever St David, the patron saint of Wales, stepped on the earth. The Snowdon Lily is shrouded in folklore, the Scots call it the “Fairy’s Thimble” and say that finding one brings you good fortune.

How lucky we were to be at the right place at the right time to be able to witness this extraordinary plant bloom. We were all flying high on the emotions of finding this rare beauty, which carried us through the rest of the afternoon’s work. We all headed home with a bit more magic and a spring in our step that day.

If you are one of the lucky ones to find Lily’r Wyddfa, do not disturb or damage it at all, as it is protected by law to help it thrive (and the fairies may come after you!).

Molly Isherwood – Conservation Assistant

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