RSPB Conwy

This reserve in North Wales was a historic landmark for the RSPB as it was their first ‘man-made’ nature reserve.

The reserve has been developed over the last 30 years on the site used deposit the 3 million cubic metres of estuarine mud was excavated during the construction of the A55 tunnel under the town of Conwy.

The RSPB want the reserve to be a haven for waterfowl and waders and with this in mind there are two large lagoons with islands to provide safe nesting sites. The reserve was opened to the public in August 1995.

The reed beds which have been developed by the RSPB now teem with life and during the spring and summer Swallows and martin can be seen over the lagoon.

Integral to the management of the site are Carneddau Ponies whose grazing means that ideal nest sites for Lapwings and for orchids to flourish.

Highlights to look out for in Spring /Summer are early Marsh Orchids, Sand Martins, Swallows, Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Willow Warblers.

The reserve has good accessibility with flat gravel paths and boardwalks throughout the site. The visitor centre and café are also wheelchair friendly.

Source: “The RSPB Magazine” – Spring/Summer 2023 issue.