"Visitors can now flock to the new bird bide at Cors Caron near Tregaron in mid Wales to enjoy birdwatching at this National Nature Reserve of international importance for wildlife.

As wading birds arrive at the wetland for the winter months, CCW is delighted that people will get a better chance than every to enjoy the wildlife spectacle on offer.

I am delighted that the hide is ready in time for bird watchers to enjoy the reserve's winter residents including many species of wading birds and birds of prey. The bird hide is just one aspect of making Cors Caron a great place for people to enjoy nature at its best.

Around 20,000 people currently visit Cors Caron every year, but we hope that many more will come as the visitor facilities improve. The reserve's value as an outdoor class room for schools will also be enhanced now that the bird hide is ready.

Six to eight hen harriers roost here and are fairly easy to spot. There are also more than 20 whooper swans, large flocks of teal and wigeon, round 60 red kites, more than 100 snipe, merlin and two or three little egrets are seen regularly.

The hide, built of Welsh oak, was designed by Machynlleth-based architects George & Tomos. It was built by local contractors and is accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users. Its power supply comes from photovoltaic cells that turn sunlight into electricity.

An extended car park is being built to further improve Cors Caron for visitors. It will be ready by the spring 2007.

The bird hide was funded by the European Union's Objective One programme as part of a series of projects to improve visitor facilities on some of Wales' most well-known National Nature Reserves.

CCW is very grateful to Mr and Mrs Davies, Maesllyn Farm, who are tenants on the land in Cors Caron for their co-operation throughout this project."

Written by Paul Culyer