Wales

Cwm Idwal, Wales – Lying in the Glyderau mountains, Snowdonia. An ideal habitat for hill loving species. Amongst the flora and fauna you might see Ring Ouzel, Snowdon Lily, Starry Saxifrage, Feral Goat to name but a few.

Further information:
www.ccw.gov.uk

The RSPB
Did you know that the RSPB has over 150 nature reserves in the UK? These vary from those that offer a great family day to those that offer a quiet site where nature can be enjoyed with minimal facilities. Rather than list them all here’s a couple of links that are useful for finding a Reserve near you or an Event near you.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/thingstodo/ and http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/
Another great day out would be to see Birds of Prey with the RSPB. From Eagles, Ospreys, Red Kites and Peregrines. Here are just a few suggestions from the RSPB:

Red Kites
Cereidigion, Aberystwyth. Red Kites fed daily by the Forestry Commission. www.rspb.org.uk/ceredigionredkites

Peregrines
Cardiff. Cardiff City Hall clock tower. From 1st April – 31st August. www.rspb.org.uk/clocktowerperegrines

Ospreys
Glaslyn Osprey Project, North Wales. From end of March to end of August see Ospreys with Snowdonia as the backdrop. www.rspb.org.uk/glaslynospreys

For further information on the RSPB go to www.rspb.org.uk

Conwy RSPB Reserve www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/outdoors/placestogo/reserves/conwyrspb.shtml

Conwy RSPB Reserve
This reserve was created following the construction of the Conwy road tunnel to provide a safe haven for waders at high tide throughout the year.


The reserve has now become the most important site for birdwatchers on the North Wales coast, as lapwings, sedge warblers, reed warblers and water rail come to breed on the wetlands during the spring and summer.

Autumn and winter bring the waders, wild fowl and starlings in the largest such roost in Wales.

Extremely rare birds have also been spotted at the reserve, including the first terek sandpiper ever to be seen in Wales. The bluethroat, black headed wagtail, marsh sandpiper and all three phalaropes have also visited the reserve.

All four hides at the reserve have disabled access, and the visitor centre offers education packs and a nature trail quiz for children


Birdwatching in Snowdonia http://www.snowdonia-wales.net/todo/birdwatching.asp

The rich diversity of habitats in Snowdonia attracts many species of bird to the area. Habitats include upland bog such as the Migneint (the largest expanse of blanket bog in Wales), rocky crags, coniferous woodland, sheltered ancient woodland, river estuaries, and coastline. Snowdonia is ideal for those with an interest in birdwatching.

There are reserves at:


Conwy (RSPB)
Traeth Lavan
Coedydd Aber (NNR)
Foryd Bay
Maentwrog (NNR)
Lake Vyrnwy (RSPB)
Mawddach Valley (RSPB)
Ynys-hir (RSPB)

A list of all RSPB Nature Reserves in Wales http://countryside.wales.info/wildlife_reserves.asp

South Stack Cliffs http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/outdoors/placestogo/reserves/southstack.shtml

South Stack Cliffs
This breathtaking cliff-top site on Holy Island boasts walks, a visitor centre and closed circuit TV to view nesting birds.

In summer over 4,000 pairs of seabirds nest at South Stack cliffs. From Ellin's Tower visitor centre you can watch puffins, fulmars, guillemots and razorbills, using binoculars and telescopes, and see live pictures of the birds on the cliffs.

Superb bird watching opportunities are not the only reason to visit South Stack. The cliffs contain some of the oldest rocks in Wales, dating back nearly 600 million years to a geological period called the Precambrian. The extensive folds in the cliff face bear witness to some of the earth movements and forces that have shaped Wales.

The layering of different materials making up the rocks is clearly visible. The sandstone (brown-orange) and mudstone (lighter grey) layers have acted differently as they've been folded: sandstone contains coarser materials and keeps its shape whereas the mudstone is more fluid and has been squashed into the gaps in-between.

The Celtic rainforest of Snowdonia supports a unique diversity of life. You can follow the trails created by the National Trust which owns the Ganllwyd estate. Ancient trees covered in lichens, rocks covered in mosses and liverworts in abundance, including Chanterelle, Filmy Fern, Tree Lungwort, Black-eyed Susan Lichen, Leafy Liverworts and Jelly Baby Fungus.

For more information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

A gentle 13km section of the Celtic Trail is part of the cycle network which links the Botanic Gardens of Wales and the fantastic wetland nature reserve. Start at the National Wetland Centre where you can hire bikes.

You can see Little egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Water vole and Wigeon. Along the Celtic Trail you are likely to see Migrant Hawker Dragonfly as well.

For more information: www.sustrans.org.uk and www.wwt.org.uk/llanelli

The North Wales Wildlife Trust is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the UK and one of 6 Welsh Wildlife Trusts.
We are a registered charity, dependent on donations and the support of our members.
We believe that, with your help, we can do much to protect the wildlife that remains and improve habitats for the wildlife of North Wales.

North Wales Wildlife Trust Events Diary

Since 1982, the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust has been the leading voluntary organisation promoting wildlife conservation in Montgomeryshire.

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust Events Diary

Comprising the four peaks Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y big, the Fan Ridge is the real gem of the Brecon Beacons. On a cold crisp December day in deep snow you are likely to have the whole place to yourself. Go well prepared with good boots, all weather clothing and some navigational equipment.

Amongst the wildlife you are likely to see Red Kite, there is a feeding station at Llanddeusant where you can see gatherings of 50 of more kites in the winter. Buzzards are plentiful in the Beacons and Ravens are a constant companion in the most rugged of locations. The ridge is a suitably dramatic place to admire their aerobatic displays. Starlings with their whirling smoke cloud display can be experienced around Llangorse Lake before dusk as the birds prepare to roost. The areas many reservoirs such as Talybont and Llangorse Lake are the winter home for Teal, Wigeon, Tufted duck, Goldeneye duck and the odd Whooper swan.

Stoats are difficult to spot but in winter as they retain their colouration they stand out in a carpet of snow.

For more information: www.breconbeacons.org