Wildlife takes a shine to the peaceful setting at RSPB Cors Ddyga

Fersiwn Gymraeg ar gael yma.

It’s hard to believe that two years have passed since the opening of a new visitor trail at RSPB Cors Ddyga.

The generous funding, we received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund gave us the opportunity to create a project that improved the habitats for rare and threatened species while at the same time enhancing the visitor experience allowing us to engage with audiences previously unknown to the site.  The self-guided trail takes in some of the reedbeds and the ruins of the Berw Colliery - one of the last reminders of a coal-mining industry on Anglesey and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Public footpaths and the Lôn Las Cefni cycle-path now allows visitors to enjoy the open grasslands and look over the larger reedbeds at the southern end of the reserve.

In spring and summer, the open skies are filled by the sounds of lapwing, curlew, and skylark. Marsh harriers sky-dance high over the reedbed, and the seldom-seen bittern rumbles from its depths. In autumn, roosting starlings can exceed 100,000; and if the reserve floods in winter, several thousand wildfowl and waders feast on the brief bounty of washed-up seeds and insects. There are signs of otters, hares, and water voles to be discovered, and sightings for the lucky few. Botanists enjoy a variety of scarce aquatic plants as well as a spring floral display to rival any landscape. 17 species of dragonflies include the emperor dragonfly and golden-ringed dragonfly - the two largest dragonflies in the UK - hunt amongst the plants, it’s also a great place to watch common butterflies.

A reserve filled with important wildlife habitat

RSPB Cors Ddyga lies within the largest amount of wetland habitat on the Isle of Anglesey. Not only is this habitat extremely important for the local ecosystem, it is also contributing to a system of wetlands across the UK which are under the strain of climate change, under-management and development. For these reasons, the reserve aims to provide visitors with as natural an experience as possible – a place of quiet enjoyment.

 A visit to RSPB Cors Ddyga compliments the more developed visitor experiences found at RSPB South Stack and RSPB Conwy. It is greatly appreciated by locals and wildlife enthusiasts wanting a wildlife-enriched walk through first-class countryside, and a different experience from the reserves that attract larger volumes of people. The wide-open landscapes where the most exciting birds are often found flying overhead, and the lack of wildlife focal points, means the reserve is at its best when you walk quietly through it making discoveries as you go.

The sensitive nature of the habitats at the reserve, and the peaceful atmosphere it provides, means that the team that work there intend to keep their impact minimal and the infrastructure for visitors simple. The conservation staff managing the site are often present and are all too happy to talk to people they meet as they go about their work.  When you visit, do say hello to them and find out about the wonderful work they do and wildlife they protect - they’d also love to know what wildlife you’ve spotted on the reserve.