About the Black Mountain Valleys
The landscape of this region is dominated by the bulk of the Black Mountains which support upland grassland, heathland and some blanket bog as well as springline flushes. There are numerous rock outcrops and screes. The more fertile valley bottoms of the Golden Valley have a long history of cultivation and large arable fields are found here. Woodlands are a prominent feature , particularly on the low ridge between the Golden Valley and the adjoining lowlands. The rivers and streams are fast flowing, of high water quality and are important wildlife corridors.
Old Red Sandstone forms the bedrock throughout the area and gives rise to distinctive red brown soils. Alluvial deposits have created fertile soils in the valley floors whilst in the upland areas the soils tend to be thin and acidic.