The new enhanced trail at the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust's Gilfach Farm nature reserve, near Rhayader, was officially opened by TV wildlife presenter, Iolo Williams, watched by more than 50 trust supporters.

Instead of the usual ribbon, the new information point at the start of the trail was swathed in a garland of ivy, honeysuckle and lichens – which Iolo refused to cut, because it looked so lovely.

Grants to pay for the trail improvements came from the Community Tourism Capital Grants Scheme (an EU funded scheme administered by Powys County Council) and Environment Wales. A legacy from a Wildlife Trust supporter, the late Derek Banthorpe, made it possible to use sustainably sourced Welsh oak for the information point.

The new interpretation boards are illustrated with paintings by Powys artist, Lizzie Harper and they describe wildlife highlights along the route, such as flower rich meadows, where green woodpeckers forage in ant hills and waterfalls which salmon leap in late autumn.

After the opening ceremony, Iolo led a leisurely walk along the trail, which starts out along the old track of the former Mid Wales railway and then drops down to follow the fast-flowing Marteg river.

Where the trail meets the lane that runs up to the old farmyard, a bird hide overlooks the river. The box was made by students from Celf o Gwmpas, the charity that provides high quality arts experiences for adults with learning disabilities.

For those wishing to walk the Gilfach nature trail for themselves, the start is at the Marteg Bridge car park, on the A470 about two miles north of Rhayader travelling towards Aberystwyth. The trail is fairly level apart from the last stretch up the lane to the Nature Discovery Centre.