Days out
Conwy
Llandudno JunctionClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesLook out for dragonflies darting over the ponds and watch birds swoop across the lagoons in the setting sun. Your little ones will love playing in our giant sand pit and wild play area too.
About
Conwy nature reserve is proof that wonderful things can happen when we work with nature in mind. What was once waste material, dug out when the A55 road tunnel was built, has been transformed into a haven for wetland wildlife and a brilliant place for family adventures. Head to the reserve late on a winter afternoon to take in the sight, sound and rush of wings, as tens of thousands of Starlings congregate to roost in the reedbeds, throwing shapes across the sky in a spectacular murmuration.
Stroll along a boardwalk, through a reedbed, to the sounds of Reed Warblers in summer and Water Rails in winter. Then look across two lagoons, one with shallow water and the other much deeper, which attract waders and waterbirds, especially from August to March. These are best for birds at high tide, when the river pushes waders to roost and feed on the islands.
Follow the trails through mixed scrub and grassland, dotted with temporary pools – loved by dragonflies and butterflies – and colourful with orchids in summer. Look out for the rare coccinea form of Early Marsh-orchid and the bumblebee-mimicking Bee Orchid. The final part of the circular trail takes you along the edge of the estuary, overlooking mudflats and saltmarsh, with a backdrop of the Carneddau mountains beyond.
The lagoons provide a refuge for hundreds of waders that move off the estuary at high tide. Vegetation on the islands is cut short each autumn to make them suitable for roosting Curlews, Redshanks and grazing Wigeons. We reshape the islands, from time to time, making sure there are plenty of muddy edges for waders to feed. Water in the lagoons is fresh, not tidal, so we rely on rainfall to fill it during the winter, with additional water pumped from the nearby Afon Ganol.
We aim to fill the lagoons by April, making it harder for mammals to get to the islands where birds nest. Natural evaporation and transpiration reduce the water level (by up to 1cm every day!), so that by mid-July, there is insect-rich mud for waders dropping in to Conwy on their way from northern Europe to Africa.
The southern half of the reserve is grazed year-round by Carneddau Mountain Ponies, a hardy local mountain breed, happy to eat grass, bramble, rush and reeds. They break up the habitat, keeping it in good condition for a variety of wildlife, particularly pioneering flowers that like the low-nutrient soil, and moths whose caterpillars live in the reedbeds and grassland. The ponies' manure is great for beetles and flies, so good for birds too.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
At a glance
Open from 9am - 5pm.
8 Blue Badge spaces. Tarmac surface on blue badge parking bays. Gravel surface in other parking areas.
No lighting. Drop off point outside the shop entrance. Bicycle racks available.
Our accessible toilets are open daily, 9am - 5pm. Situated by our coffee shop.
Baby changing facilities are available in three of our toilets, including one of our accessible toilets.
The majority of our visitor trails are pushchair-friendly. If you make it as far as the grey heron trail, stick to the outer path and avoid the ganol trail as this route is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Bad weather can cause large puddles in some areas. Our welcome team will point out any routes to avoid on your arrival.
Visitor centre: Entry by three steps or a ramp with a handrail on one side. Heavy manual doors open outward. All one level with step-free entry and non-slip vinyl surface. Lowered counter. Hearing induction loop. Good lighting. Clear print materials. Most text in English and Welsh. Some goods may be difficult to reach. Staff available to assist.
Car parking: 8 Blue Badge spaces Tarmac surface on blue badge parking bays. Gravel surface in other parking areas.
Nature trails access: Trails are mainly flat; a mixture of surfaces including rolled slate and boardwalk. Gates used to access grazed areas. Benches provided. Information boards in large print.
Viewing points: Viewing screens with variable height viewing slots. Occasional weekend staffing at hides.
Café: Coffee shop 50m past the visitor centre along a tarmac path. Panoramic windows on a single level with vinyl flooring. Self-service with staff available. Colour-contrasted crockery. Large-handled cutlery.
Picnic area: 10 tables with wheelchair spaces between the visitor centre and the coffee shop.
Play area: The landscaped area we call Y Maes is designed for natural play (by children and adults!). There is a variety of ground surfaces, providing a tactile experience. These are all accessible to wheelchairs except the sandpit, which also hosts wooden climbing equipment. The tunnel, path to the top of the viewing mound, events space and grass are accessible to wheelchairs, though the grass can be soft and muddy following prolonged rain.
Educational facilities: Step-free, level access throughout. Flexible layout. Non-slip vinyl flooring. Good lighting. Before you visit:
Check accessibility for events and activities. RSPB Conwy is featured in A Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.
Our toilets are open daily, 9am - 5pm. Situated by our coffee shop.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Sorry we don't allow dogs on the nature reserve, except assistance dogs.
This is due to the disturbance caused to breeding and roosting birds, otters, our wild Carneddau ponies and other sensitive wildlife.
Dogs are allowed on a lead in the shop, but not any further on to the reserve, including the cafe and playspace.
However, there is a popular dog walk along the estuary, running north from the car park. There is no charge for parking, but please be aware that the car park is locked at 5pm daily.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Conwy
conwy@rspb.org.uk RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, Llandudno Junction, Conwy, LL31 9XZ 01492 584091