The Spinnies, Aberogwen
A huge variety of habitats can be found within the Spinnies Reserve, which sits next to the River Ogwen, where it joins the Menai Strait. Photo tour
Over 185 species of birds make use of the Aberogwen estuary, tidal pool and lagoons and surrounding woodland that make up the four hectare site.
The reserve is frequented by large numbers of waders, and a visit to the reserve's main hide, one hour either side of high tide, can provide excellent views of their shoreline activity. Oystercatchers and curlew feed in their thousands on the internationally important coastal stretch of Traeth Lafan, which includes the Spinnies. Freshwater meets saltwater in the reserve, and a variety of birds can be seen from the two hides which overlook the lagoon.
The site is one of the best places in the area for seeing wintering kingfisher, and up to 100 little egrets can often be spotted roosting on the edges of the coast or in the pools. The reserve is also of interest for notable numbers of greenshank, goldeneye, red breasted merganser, and heron.
The reserve's Aberogwen Lagoon was formed in 1822 when the canalisation and diversion of the River Ogwen cut off the coastal meander. The reserve forms part of the Penrhyn Estate, but has been managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust since 1983. It is one of the Trust's most visited sites, and a team of staff and local volunteers carry out regular work around the reserve, including monitoring of water levels, upkeep of hides and paths, and habitat management.
The Neo-Norman Penrhyn Castle was built in the early 19th century, and overlooks the reserve, and the wall forms its western boundary. The pampas grass on the reserve is another legacy of the Victorian era.
Parking is provided at the end of the road overlooking the shore. From here it is a short walk back to the reserve entrance.
Directions:
The reserve can be approached from Bangor by following the Tal-y-Bont road from the roundabout on the A5122 near the Penrhyn Castle entrance. The road to the reserve is signposted on the left hand side after 1km.
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graham boxall from colwyn bay I spent a wonderful day at the Spinnies and in the Estuary today. Nice to see:- black swan, Red breasted merganser, Grebe, Little Egret and kingfisher plus tits and finches. Many thanks to all staff, a wonderful site. Mon Jul 27 09:49:10 2009
Dewi Jones, Bethel I enjoyed the feature about this reserve featured in Iolo's programme. Are the Spinnies and their hides wheelchair accessible?
Would you please ask Iolo if he would give information in future programes whether the locations he covers are suitable for the disabled?
Mon Dec 4 14:29:19 2006
Emma Jones anglesey Very much enjoyed watching this programme, I didn't know that there was a kingfisher here! Going to have a look today :O) Only lived up here for 6 years and so lucky to have such a wonderful place to live. Mon Dec 4 10:14:45 2006
mervyn jones bangor So lucky to have these wonderful places on my doorstep, take my grandson to the spinnies every chance i have, nature at its best, conwy reserve is also a marvellous reserve, long may it last, i hope the youth of today appreciate what is all around them. Thu Nov 30 11:34:31 2006
lewis Weatherly from Chelsea I very much enjoyed my visit to The Spinnies in Aberogwen. I live in london and so am used to the hustle and bustle of modern day urban living. It felt so good to come here, to the peace and calm of north wales to escape the city life. there are so many different types of birds it's hard to pick out my favourites, but these are some of the ones you have to look out for: the kingfisher, herons and red breasted merganser. Thu Nov 9 09:57:46 2006
The Spinnies, Aberogwen
