and they were transported to the site daily in coaches, in some cases from a distance of 40 miles. Claerwen NNR Claerwen National Nature Reserve is an expanse of mountain upland lying halfway between Rhayader in Powys and Pontrhydfendigaid in Ceredigion. The mainly peaty and acidic soil provides an environment home for many species of plants and animals which thrive in these conditions. These biomes include several highly oligotrophic lakes and ponds, raised mires and large areas that have seen little or any man-made changes.These include the nationally scarce water plantain (Luronium natans) as well as carnivorous plants such as Drosera rotundifolia, and butterworts. It is a known breeding site for red kite and merlin . In popular culture In 2015 the dam was featured in the fourth episode of series twenty-two of the BBC motoring programme Top Gear. During the episode Richard Hammond winched a Land Rover Series up to the top of the dam, and down again, in mimicry of an advert once used for the vehicle, during a tribute segment for the Land Rover Defender. References External links Photos of Claerwen reservoir and surrounding area on geograph.org.uk Photos of Claerwen NNR and surrounding area on geograph Reservoirs in Powys Dams in Powys Elenydd Gravity dams