RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve

About

RSPB Ynys-Hir nature reserve is a bursting with wildlife in the heart of Mid Wales. Located within the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, RSPB Ynys-hir is a mixture of oak woods, reedbeds, pools and saltmarsh with 5 viewing hides, a Visitor centre and over 3 miles of trails to explore. Awarded Ramsar, Natura 2000 and SSSI status.

As always at RSPB reserves the birds and wildlife put on a splendid show, thanks to the excellent reserve management. Bird watching starts in the car park with a host of birds at the different sections of the bird feeding station and in the pools in front of the picnic benches.

RSPB Ynys-hir Visitor Centre
RSPB Ynys-Hir Visitor Centre is a cosy log cabin with a wood stove to warm yourself up by on colder days. With views over the pools and at least 15 species of birds seen from the windows on the feeders you can easily spend time here.

ON site there are 5 viewing hides. 3 different trail routes. Toilets, Visitor centre with light refreshments and exhibitions. Picnic areas. Binoculars to hire, Pond Dipping Kits and Grass Sweeping Kits  to hire.

Look for egrets and kingfishes in the pools. Watch as finches, tits, woodpeckers, and nuthatch all take their fill on the feeders and in winter will almost clear out the feeder in the time it takes you to walk round the reserve.

Nature Trails
RSPB Ynys-hir Mid Wales, the perfect place on The Coastal Way to unwind amongst stunning wild spaces and spectacular views. For keen wildlife watchers to wild families, amongst the various trails and hides there is something for everyone.

The range of habitats ensures variety all year round, and the trails provide a delightful walk even if you come during summer afternoons when birds are least in evidence. The oak woods support all the characteristic birds of broadleaved woodland including summer visitors such as pied flycatcher, redstart, wood warbler. In Spring the woodland floor is covered in bluebells, celandines, and primroses.

On the river look out for oystercatchers, teal, sandpipers and curlew, whilst otters can put in appearance at any time. In winter large flocks of lapwing, wigeon and geese including the scarce Greenland whitefronts can be seen on the wetlands and saltmarsh whilst wrapped up in one of the hides.