Lake Vyrnwy was created in 1888 when work on a dam to supply water to Liverpool was finally completed. The old village of Llanwddyn disappeared under the waters but when the level drops during dry summer, you can see the ruins of the buildings. the reserve is managed by the RSPB in partnership with Severn Trent Water.
If you're out for a walk, there are two main trails to follow, one at each end of the lake. The RSPB Warden also offers guided tours for a minumum of two people. You need to phone in advance to book a tour and it costs £3 per person.
There are two hides overlooking the lake where you can watch for Goosander, Great Crested Grebe and the Common Sandpiper. There's also a third hide in the main car park, which is suitable for disabled access and where woodland birds such as the Siskin and Nuthatch feed.
In addition to the lake, the reserve has the largest remaining tract of heather moorland in Wales which is home to a number of birds rarely found in other parts of the country. These include the Red Grouse, Merlin, Hen Harrier and Black Grouse.
The RSPB, officers who manage the reserve are, keen to keep people off the moorland itself and advise that the best way to look out for the Hen Harrier, for example, is to park your car in one of the lay-bys which cross the moor.
Lake Vyrnwy is surrounded by commercial conifer forestry where several species of common and less common birds can be seen from the tiny Goldcrest and the Coal Tit to the Goshawk, Crossbill, Raven and the occasional Nightjar.
Lake Vyrnwy is also home to an award winning international sculpture park which is the result of a collaboration between Local artists and the Vyrnwy Partnership.
It was started in 1997 by local sculptor Andy Hancock who intitailly worked on a trail of art around the lake to promote the area and its beauty to all potential visitors.
This developed into an international sculpture park when Dr Tom Gilhespy became involved. His 35 years travelling around the world working with other artists meant his wealth of friends and knowledge could take the work at the lake to another level.
Funding from the Arts council of Wales as well as Arts and Business Cymru ensured the continued success of the annual symposia until its end in 2004.
The resulting sculpture park contains over 50 works - some by artists whose work in the UK can only be seen at Lake Vyrnwy.
Admission is free, there is plenty of parking and facilities for the disabled. There is even a playground for the children - of all ages!
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Opening Times
The reserve is open at all times and there is no admission fee. The Visitor Centre is open at the following times:
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