Wildlife & Nature Suggestions
When you come to Mid Wales you of course expect to see wildlife. Powys is one of the most sparsely populated counties in the UK, This means more rooms for trees, wildlife, plants, birds, and gives nature a chance to thrive. At Penygelli you will commonly see Red Kites, Buzzards and a myriad of other birds, either gliding overhead, or just chilling in the garden. The mornings belong to the rabbits and squirrels that you will see frequently in the garden and then at night this time belongs to the several species of owls and bats that we have around.
Below is a couple of suggestions for days out, but also check out our scenic places section to see more
Below is a couple of suggestions for days out, but also check out our scenic places section to see more
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Dyfi Osprey Project (33 Miles)
The new Dyfi Wildlife Centre in the heart of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere will re-open in Spring 2021 in a a stunning new building with leading-edge ‘carbon positive’ energy performance.
The Dyfi Wildlife Centre is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve. Most visitors spend around one and a half to two hours per visit, including some time in the 360 Observatory where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Dyfi Valley.
In 2011, for the first time in over 400 years Ospreys bred in the Dyfi valley on the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve site. The reserve is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project with a lot to offer both new and regular visitors alike.
The new Dyfi Wildlife Centre Visitor will open in Spring 2021. For the first time visitors and volunteers will experience all the current amenities – the toilets, the café and seating areas, interpretation and osprey screens, the shop and volunteer areas all into one place, under one roof, in a stunning new building with leading-edge ‘carbon positive’ energy performance; we will call it the Dyfi Wildlife Centre - a truly world class experience.
The 360 Observatory opened in 2014 and is the centrepiece of the reserve. At just 190m from the Osprey nest it provides superb viewing opportunities and is a wonderful place just to soak up the 360° panoramic views of the Dyfi Valley.
In addition to the ospreys you may spot a cuckoo perched nearby or one of the eight species of Warbler flitting through the reeds below. There are always friendly staff and volunteers on hand to point things out or answer questions. The 360 Observatory also has a wealth of reference books for you to use.
Most visitors spend around one and a half to two hours per visit, including some time in the 360 Observatory and it takes approximately 10 minutes each way to walk to the 360 Observatory if you don't get distracted by the views or wildlife along the way!
With the exception of an elevated bird hide the reserve is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Outside of the osprey season the board walk at Cors Dyfi reserve is open during daylight hours (Except Thursdays), so do pop down if you get the chance. The postcode is SY20 8SR.
The Dyfi Wildlife Centre is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve. Most visitors spend around one and a half to two hours per visit, including some time in the 360 Observatory where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Dyfi Valley.
In 2011, for the first time in over 400 years Ospreys bred in the Dyfi valley on the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve site. The reserve is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project with a lot to offer both new and regular visitors alike.
The new Dyfi Wildlife Centre Visitor will open in Spring 2021. For the first time visitors and volunteers will experience all the current amenities – the toilets, the café and seating areas, interpretation and osprey screens, the shop and volunteer areas all into one place, under one roof, in a stunning new building with leading-edge ‘carbon positive’ energy performance; we will call it the Dyfi Wildlife Centre - a truly world class experience.
The 360 Observatory opened in 2014 and is the centrepiece of the reserve. At just 190m from the Osprey nest it provides superb viewing opportunities and is a wonderful place just to soak up the 360° panoramic views of the Dyfi Valley.
In addition to the ospreys you may spot a cuckoo perched nearby or one of the eight species of Warbler flitting through the reeds below. There are always friendly staff and volunteers on hand to point things out or answer questions. The 360 Observatory also has a wealth of reference books for you to use.
Most visitors spend around one and a half to two hours per visit, including some time in the 360 Observatory and it takes approximately 10 minutes each way to walk to the 360 Observatory if you don't get distracted by the views or wildlife along the way!
With the exception of an elevated bird hide the reserve is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Outside of the osprey season the board walk at Cors Dyfi reserve is open during daylight hours (Except Thursdays), so do pop down if you get the chance. The postcode is SY20 8SR.
Centre For alternative technology (31 miles)
Nestled in the stunning UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere in Mid Wales, The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a world-renowned eco centre that demonstrates practical solutions for a sustainable future.
Discover a hidden world, packed full of working examples of renewable energy, beautiful organic gardens, experimental green buildings and sustainably managed woodland habitats.
VEGETARIAN CAFE
As a large outdoor attraction with plenty of space for the whole family to explore, we’re confident in delivering a great day out while keeping your safety and the safety of our staff a top priority. Grab a picnic from CAT’s vegetarian café and find perfect spot for lunch - in the woods, overlooking the gardens of in front of a jaw-dropping view of the valley below.
QUARRY TRAIL WALK
Now a thriving haven for wildlife, the CAT site was once a Welsh slate quarry - signs of which can still be seen today. Weaving your way up through the broadleaf woodlands, three different trails of varying lengths allow access to never-before-seen areas of the CAT woodlands and gardens whilst offering spectacular views into the Snowdonia National Park. The Quarry Trail Walk offers glimpses into CAT’s slate heritage and the reservoir that feeds CAT’s off-grid water system.
WELLBEING & NATURE
Combining exciting practical skills with immersive wellbeing experiences, CAT truly is the home of sustainability education. Join a tour with one of CAT’s expert guides to dig a little deeper or come along to a day or week long course to explore everything from sustainable woodland management and nature connection to sustainable building practices and renewable energy (check website for tour availability).
Pre-booking before arrival is essential to help us ensure that everyone can socially distance.
Dogs welcome!
Discover a hidden world, packed full of working examples of renewable energy, beautiful organic gardens, experimental green buildings and sustainably managed woodland habitats.
VEGETARIAN CAFE
As a large outdoor attraction with plenty of space for the whole family to explore, we’re confident in delivering a great day out while keeping your safety and the safety of our staff a top priority. Grab a picnic from CAT’s vegetarian café and find perfect spot for lunch - in the woods, overlooking the gardens of in front of a jaw-dropping view of the valley below.
QUARRY TRAIL WALK
Now a thriving haven for wildlife, the CAT site was once a Welsh slate quarry - signs of which can still be seen today. Weaving your way up through the broadleaf woodlands, three different trails of varying lengths allow access to never-before-seen areas of the CAT woodlands and gardens whilst offering spectacular views into the Snowdonia National Park. The Quarry Trail Walk offers glimpses into CAT’s slate heritage and the reservoir that feeds CAT’s off-grid water system.
WELLBEING & NATURE
Combining exciting practical skills with immersive wellbeing experiences, CAT truly is the home of sustainability education. Join a tour with one of CAT’s expert guides to dig a little deeper or come along to a day or week long course to explore everything from sustainable woodland management and nature connection to sustainable building practices and renewable energy (check website for tour availability).
Pre-booking before arrival is essential to help us ensure that everyone can socially distance.
Dogs welcome!
RSPB LAKE VYRNWY NATURE RESERVE (28 Miles)
To get to RSPB Lake Vyrnwy, you cross the famous Victorian stone wall dam, the first of its kind in the world, and still pretty breathtaking today. Whether you want nature and wildlife, history and heritage, or a relaxing day out in the heart of the beautiful mid Wales countryside, there's something for everyone.
Birdlife is in abundance all year round and you can even hire binoculars from our reserve shop to observe them up close. In spring, migrants such as pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers arrive and common sandpipers, dippers and grey wagtails are to be seen around the pool below the dam. In summer you can watch fledglings at the feeding station, hear nightjars, and see golden-ringed dragonflies in the forest clearings. Autumn sees dabbling ducks such as mallards and teals arriving at the lake, along with little grebes and oystercatchers. In winter, redwings, bramblings and fieldfares arrive, ravens begin their mating displaying and peregrins soar over your heads.
There are five nature trails ranging from 2 to 5½ miles for all abilities. You can circumnavigate the 12-mile lakeside road, visit the spectacular waterfall in the Rhiwargor valley or enjoy a ramble through ancient woodland and mountains. Or you can simply take a picnic at the side of the lake and soak up the tranquillity. There's plenty for children too, including nest box and animal puzzle trails, organized activities, and a wild playground, complete with mud kitchen!
The RSPB Visitor Centre at Lake Vyrnwy is open all year round. It has a well-stocked shop, three bird hides, and a cinema with daily showings of a film featuring the history of Lake Vyrnwy reserve. There are also cafes, toilets and a craft centre nearby. Parking and entry is free and dogs are allowed on leads.
Birdlife is in abundance all year round and you can even hire binoculars from our reserve shop to observe them up close. In spring, migrants such as pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers arrive and common sandpipers, dippers and grey wagtails are to be seen around the pool below the dam. In summer you can watch fledglings at the feeding station, hear nightjars, and see golden-ringed dragonflies in the forest clearings. Autumn sees dabbling ducks such as mallards and teals arriving at the lake, along with little grebes and oystercatchers. In winter, redwings, bramblings and fieldfares arrive, ravens begin their mating displaying and peregrins soar over your heads.
There are five nature trails ranging from 2 to 5½ miles for all abilities. You can circumnavigate the 12-mile lakeside road, visit the spectacular waterfall in the Rhiwargor valley or enjoy a ramble through ancient woodland and mountains. Or you can simply take a picnic at the side of the lake and soak up the tranquillity. There's plenty for children too, including nest box and animal puzzle trails, organized activities, and a wild playground, complete with mud kitchen!
The RSPB Visitor Centre at Lake Vyrnwy is open all year round. It has a well-stocked shop, three bird hides, and a cinema with daily showings of a film featuring the history of Lake Vyrnwy reserve. There are also cafes, toilets and a craft centre nearby. Parking and entry is free and dogs are allowed on leads.
RSPB YNYS-HIR NATURE RESERVE (36 Miles)
The RSPB Ynys-Hir nature reserve is wildlife haven in the heart of Mid Wales. Located within the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, Ynys-hir has miles of trails, 7 view hides and has been awarded Ramsar, Natura 2000 and SSSI status.
As always at RSPB reserves the birds 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.
Finches, tits, woodpeckers and nuthatch can all take their fill - and in winter will almost clear out the feeder in the time it takes you to walk round the reserve. Grey squirrels inevitably get a meal out of it as well!
The range of habitats ensures variety and the trails provide a delightful walk even if you come during summer afternoons when birds are least in evidence. The oakwoods support all the characteristic birds of broadleaved woodland including pied flycatcher, redstart, wood warbler and both great and lesser spotted woodpeckers. The too often despised conifers are preferred by goldcrests and coal tits and in winter attract crossbills.
On the river look out for red-breasted merganser, a fish-eating duck with a toothed beak to ensure its catch does not escape. Common sandpiper frequent the river margins. In winter a small flock of Greenland white-fronted geese visit the marsh. They can be seen from the observation hides.
As always at RSPB reserves the birds 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.
Finches, tits, woodpeckers and nuthatch can all take their fill - and in winter will almost clear out the feeder in the time it takes you to walk round the reserve. Grey squirrels inevitably get a meal out of it as well!
The range of habitats ensures variety and the trails provide a delightful walk even if you come during summer afternoons when birds are least in evidence. The oakwoods support all the characteristic birds of broadleaved woodland including pied flycatcher, redstart, wood warbler and both great and lesser spotted woodpeckers. The too often despised conifers are preferred by goldcrests and coal tits and in winter attract crossbills.
On the river look out for red-breasted merganser, a fish-eating duck with a toothed beak to ensure its catch does not escape. Common sandpiper frequent the river margins. In winter a small flock of Greenland white-fronted geese visit the marsh. They can be seen from the observation hides.
Bwlch Nant Yr Arian - Nature reserve & red Kite Feeding (34 Miles)
The Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is the starting point for a range of waymarked trails for walkers, mountain bikers, runners and horse riders. It is well-known for its long established tradition of daily feeding of red kites, Wales’ National Bird of Prey.
WALKING TRAILS
Three waymarked walking trails of different lengths which all offer great views. The Barcud Trail takes you around the lake along an accessible path where you can see the Red Kites being fed. The Miners' Trail winds along the head of the valley, followed by a short sharp climb taking you up to the Giant's Chair, for a stunning view of the valley. The Ridgetop Trail offers a great viewpoint of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains.
SKILLS PARK
A skills park with purpose-built track for mountain bikers to practise their technique. It includes rollers, step ups, berms, tabletops, hips and bowls. The site was carefully selected so that the track doesn’t affect other trails or the view of the lake.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Four of the finest mountain bike trails in Wales. The most recent addition is the Melindwr Trail which is a moderate track to test your skills before progressing to the more difficult trails of Pendam and Summit. The Syfydrin Trail is the ultimate extreme trail at this site, famous for long singletrack runs and superb views.
HORSE RIDING
A waymarked trail named after a local hill (Mynydd March or Horse Mountain). It follows a circular route using forest roads, public roads and trails which includes a few short steeper sections and a variety of surfaces.
RUNNING TRAILS
Two running trails with flat sections, climbs and a variety of surfaces. Y Llo Trail and Ar Fuwch Trail are named after an imposing pair of Bronze Age local standing stones, Buwch a’r Llo (Cow and Calf).
ORIENTEERING
Four orienteering courses ranging from beginner level to a more challenging option for experienced orienteers.
CAFE & SHOP
The café serves fresh, locally sourced produce daily and the menu includes succulent pork sausages and tasty venison or beef burgers, homemade soups and a delicious choice of cakes.
CHILDREN'S PLAY AREAS
There are two play areas, one for toddlers and one for older children:
The toddlers’ play area is for children aged between three and six years. It has a safety-surfaced play zone and easy access for parents, pushchairs and young children. The equipment includes two toddler swings and a purpose built unit with a slide, climbing wall, climbing net and ladder.
The Dizzy Heights Play Area is for children aged six years and older. It has a wood chip surface, two giant basket swings, an orangutan climbing frame and a purpose-built section with slide, climbing wall, rope ladder, fireman's pole and climbing net.
All of the play equipment is of robust timber construction which blends in with the forest surroundings.
DISCOVERY BACKPACKS
You can borrow a free discovery backpack at the visitor centre and discover more of the great outdoors. Each backpack contains useful goodies like binoculars, a magnifying glass, a bug pot and nature identification cards along with a guide explaining how to use them.
PLEASE NOTE:
Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations.
Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
WALKING TRAILS
Three waymarked walking trails of different lengths which all offer great views. The Barcud Trail takes you around the lake along an accessible path where you can see the Red Kites being fed. The Miners' Trail winds along the head of the valley, followed by a short sharp climb taking you up to the Giant's Chair, for a stunning view of the valley. The Ridgetop Trail offers a great viewpoint of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains.
SKILLS PARK
A skills park with purpose-built track for mountain bikers to practise their technique. It includes rollers, step ups, berms, tabletops, hips and bowls. The site was carefully selected so that the track doesn’t affect other trails or the view of the lake.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Four of the finest mountain bike trails in Wales. The most recent addition is the Melindwr Trail which is a moderate track to test your skills before progressing to the more difficult trails of Pendam and Summit. The Syfydrin Trail is the ultimate extreme trail at this site, famous for long singletrack runs and superb views.
HORSE RIDING
A waymarked trail named after a local hill (Mynydd March or Horse Mountain). It follows a circular route using forest roads, public roads and trails which includes a few short steeper sections and a variety of surfaces.
RUNNING TRAILS
Two running trails with flat sections, climbs and a variety of surfaces. Y Llo Trail and Ar Fuwch Trail are named after an imposing pair of Bronze Age local standing stones, Buwch a’r Llo (Cow and Calf).
ORIENTEERING
Four orienteering courses ranging from beginner level to a more challenging option for experienced orienteers.
CAFE & SHOP
The café serves fresh, locally sourced produce daily and the menu includes succulent pork sausages and tasty venison or beef burgers, homemade soups and a delicious choice of cakes.
CHILDREN'S PLAY AREAS
There are two play areas, one for toddlers and one for older children:
The toddlers’ play area is for children aged between three and six years. It has a safety-surfaced play zone and easy access for parents, pushchairs and young children. The equipment includes two toddler swings and a purpose built unit with a slide, climbing wall, climbing net and ladder.
The Dizzy Heights Play Area is for children aged six years and older. It has a wood chip surface, two giant basket swings, an orangutan climbing frame and a purpose-built section with slide, climbing wall, rope ladder, fireman's pole and climbing net.
All of the play equipment is of robust timber construction which blends in with the forest surroundings.
DISCOVERY BACKPACKS
You can borrow a free discovery backpack at the visitor centre and discover more of the great outdoors. Each backpack contains useful goodies like binoculars, a magnifying glass, a bug pot and nature identification cards along with a guide explaining how to use them.
PLEASE NOTE:
Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations.
Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
PWLL PENARTH NATURE RESERVE (3 Miles)
This reserve was once part of the sewage farm next door! Birds, who seem to be attracted to such places, were already regular visitors, so when the Environment Agency and the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust remodelled the site in 1996, it was easy to encourage the birds to stay. Shallow margins attract waders, whilst deeper water allows ducks and geese dabbling room! Islands and special gravel 'cliffs' were created to allow birds safe places to nest.
Birds can be spotted at any time of year, but don’t miss Spring/Summer for breeding activity and Autumn/Winter for the chance to spot something unusual. Keep your eyes open for Otter, as the Newtown area is one of the best places in the area to see them.
Directions: Take the B4568 from Newtown to Llanllwchaiarn, turn down by the church and follow the lane for a mile to the sewage works gates. Park in the small park down the track to the right of the gates. Pwll Penarth is found at grid reference SO 137927.
Birds can be spotted at any time of year, but don’t miss Spring/Summer for breeding activity and Autumn/Winter for the chance to spot something unusual. Keep your eyes open for Otter, as the Newtown area is one of the best places in the area to see them.
Directions: Take the B4568 from Newtown to Llanllwchaiarn, turn down by the church and follow the lane for a mile to the sewage works gates. Park in the small park down the track to the right of the gates. Pwll Penarth is found at grid reference SO 137927.
coed Pendugwunm (Ancient Woodlands) 14 Miles
Majestic sessile oaks have nurtured this quiet corner of Wales for over 400 years providing leafy cover for plants and animals and creating a 'wild wood' – the likes of which once covered large areas of the country. Although only 3.2ha in size, the reserve is part of Pendugwm Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated in recognition of the special trees, plants and animals that live here, including the elusive dormouse.
It is hard to beat a broadleaved woodland in Spring, with the colourful, abundant woodland flowers and melodious bird song filling the air. Coed Pendugwm is a great place to watch Pied Flycatchers, as they busy themselves raising the next generation, above a carpet of bluebells.
Follow this reserve on social media using #CoedPendugwm
It is hard to beat a broadleaved woodland in Spring, with the colourful, abundant woodland flowers and melodious bird song filling the air. Coed Pendugwm is a great place to watch Pied Flycatchers, as they busy themselves raising the next generation, above a carpet of bluebells.
Follow this reserve on social media using #CoedPendugwm
Montgomeryshire Wildlife trust
Montgomeryshire wildlife trust manage 18 reserves and woodlands across Montgomeryshire, all within easy reach of Penygelli. Check out their website for more details
Hafren Forest (24 Miles)
Hafren Forest sits on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, 7 miles west of the market town of Llanidloes. There are plenty of waterfalls along the river’s way through the forest. Hafren Forest covers 15 square miles and was planted in 1937 - it's a peaceful spot today but before the trees were planted, it was home to lead and tin mining industries.
Walk to the source of the River Severn - or choose from numerous walks including waterfalls. Blaenhafren Falls is the first waterfall on the mighty River Severn as it starts its long journey to the sea. The 7 mile long Source of the Severn Trail leads through the forest to the Severn’s source on Pumlunom, the highest mountain in Mid Wales. The footpath goes up the side of Blaenhafren Falls to the falls.
OS Grid Reference: SN 857 869.
There are several shorter waymarked trails from the car park. The 3 mile Blaenhafren Falls Trail is a scenic route through the forest and past the foot of the falls. A shorter walking trail goes through a meadow and crosses a foot bridge where the River Severn thunders down a gully into the famous Severn Break its Neck waterfall. There is also an all-ability trail with a boardwalk along the riverbank to a viewing area overlooking the Cascade Falls.
For long-distance walkers Hafren Forest is the start (or end) point for two long distance, linear walks - The Wye Valley Walk and The Severn Way and small sections of the Glyndwr's Way National Trail pass through the eastern edge of the forest. For cyclists, the Sustrans Cycle Route 8 between Cardiff and Holyhead passes through Hafren Forest.
Walk to the source of the River Severn - or choose from numerous walks including waterfalls. Blaenhafren Falls is the first waterfall on the mighty River Severn as it starts its long journey to the sea. The 7 mile long Source of the Severn Trail leads through the forest to the Severn’s source on Pumlunom, the highest mountain in Mid Wales. The footpath goes up the side of Blaenhafren Falls to the falls.
OS Grid Reference: SN 857 869.
There are several shorter waymarked trails from the car park. The 3 mile Blaenhafren Falls Trail is a scenic route through the forest and past the foot of the falls. A shorter walking trail goes through a meadow and crosses a foot bridge where the River Severn thunders down a gully into the famous Severn Break its Neck waterfall. There is also an all-ability trail with a boardwalk along the riverbank to a viewing area overlooking the Cascade Falls.
For long-distance walkers Hafren Forest is the start (or end) point for two long distance, linear walks - The Wye Valley Walk and The Severn Way and small sections of the Glyndwr's Way National Trail pass through the eastern edge of the forest. For cyclists, the Sustrans Cycle Route 8 between Cardiff and Holyhead passes through Hafren Forest.