To most people it's just the humble blackberry, but there are many very similar species of Rubus (or bramble). Not only are brambles abundant all along the Montgomery Canal, but an astounding 18 different species have been recorded in its vicinity.

Bramble has long, thorny, arching stems and can grow up to two metres high, or sometimes more. Its leaves, which are dark green on top and pale beneath, are alternate and palmately compound; each one is divided into three or five serrated, short-stalked oval leaflets. Both leaf stalks and mid-ribs are prickly.

From late spring to early summer, clusters of pretty white or pink flowers appear. These are 2-3cm in diameter with five petals and numerous stamens.

Bramble fruits in the summer and these blackberries ripens from green through red to deep purple and finally to a nearly black colour when ready to eat in late July.

Brambles might be found all over Wales, in scrub, woodland and hedgerow, but they are nevertheless of incredible value to wildlife. The flowers are a food source for honeybees, bumblebees and other insects; leaves are eaten by certain caterpillars as well as some grazing mammals especially deer; ripe berries are eaten by numerous birds as well as some mammals, including badgers; and Bramble is a habitat for some animals, including the shy Grass Snake.