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About
RSPB Ynys-Hir nature reserve is a wildlife haven 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, family activity packs 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.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
Non-member prices: Adult £6.00, Child £3.00, Family £12.00.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Disabled access - Surface is loose compacted stone. Access to toilets and visitor centre is via ramps and steps.
- Disabled toilets - Accessible toilet is a hired Portaloo on level of car park.
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Parking
- Free Parking - 30 Spaces. 2 Blue badge spaces 30 metres from the Visitor Centre. Flat Gradient
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The reserve is situated between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth. Turn off the A487 in the village of Eglwys-fach and proceed for one mile to the car park.
By bicycle: (Sustrans cycle route) Route 8.
Public Transport Directions
By train: The nearest train station is Machynlleth (6 miles). Proceed by bus (lloyds T2 or X28) or taxi to the reserve from there. If you are coming by bike, it is possible to get a train to Dyfi Junction and cycle the 2 miles to the reserve. By bus: There is a regular bus service between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth that stops in Eglwys-fach (Service X28).
