Nature & Wildlife
Woodlands, wetlands, trails, walks, wildlife and much more - here's our webguide for the best on the net for nature.
If there's a website we're missing, let us know!
To see our pick of things to see and do in Southwest Wales, or to find out lots more about nature organisations active in the region, visit our SW Wales nature section.
South West Wales Sites
Sea Trust South and West Wales
Sea Trust is a local volunteer marine wildlife group, part of the Wildlife Trust South and West Wales. They are British official supporters of the United Nations Year of the Dolphin 2007.
website: www.seatrust.org.uk
Cardiganshire Coast and Country
Here you'll find the best of Cardiganshire coast for nature lovers. The site looks at the bottlenose dolphins, atlantic grey seals and harbour porpoise which can be spotted in the coastal farm park and in Cardigan Bay. Information about red kites and choughs is available as well as nature walks, cycling tours and boat trips to explore and enjoy the dramatic rugged coastline.
website: www.cardiganshirecoastandcountry.com
Visit Pembrokeshire
This site, which covers a good chunk of what you need to know if you're planning on visiting the county, has comprehensive 'activities' section with ideas on places to go. It's suitable for those from outside the area and also locals who want to know more about what's available on their doorstep. The selection of attractions includes a sizeable quantity of nature & wildlife themed attractions.
Website: www.visitpembrokeshire.com
Carmarthenshire County Council
This site features information about cycling, horse riding, bird watching, fishing and walking in Carmarthenshire. Walks in Abergorlech, Brechfa, Ferryside, Llandovery, Llansteffan, Talley and Pembrey are featured alongside brief local histories, maps, walk route descriptions, codes to follow during the walks and who to contact to find out more.
website: www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre
Focused around the red kite in particular, this site also informs of other wildlife that can be found at Gilfach Farm Nature Reserve, Rhayader. These include otters, badgers, kingfishers and many other types of bird. Incorporated in the site are movies, details of identification, pictures, news and media reports and a good range of links.
website: www.gigrin.co.uk
Glamorgan Walks
This site was suggested by Bruce McDonald. It provides information on walks in the old Glamorgan county area - this includes Gower, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot. It includes a route description for the entire Gower coast from Loughor to the Mumbles.
website: www.glamorganwalks.com
Neath Port Talbot Badger Group
From the group dedicated to the badger habitats and settlements in the region. Explore the 'interactive badger' to find out about this species in detail. You can join the discussion groups or browse the information about this nocturnal species.
website: homepage.ntlworld.com/badger10
Neath Port Talbot Council
This site features various attractions such as waterfalls, country parks, woodland walks, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest in and around Neath Port Talbot. Find out about the beautiful landscapes and a range of activities for all ages. These include walks and cycle tours to woodland and valley trails, fishing, canoeing and picnicking.
website: www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum is a partnership organisation, working for the long-term benefit of the Pembrokeshire coastal zone. This website provides information on the forum's work around the county, how people can get involved and links to other useful sites.
website: www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
This site has detailed information for nature enthusiasts, featuring a huge range of nature walks, along with information on the Park's beaches, wildlife and islands. It also offers information on a range of adventure sports. There is a search section for national park events so that you can check what's going on. This site also provides educational resources for students and teachers.
website: www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
Skokholm Island Website
Information about the species found on this fascinating island is featured on this website. Through photographs and audio files, descriptions are created of species such as puffins, manx shearwater, storm petrel, chough and Peregrine. Listen to the recordings; observe flock patterns and breeding rituals to understand these species and their natural features that help with their survival.
website: members.aol.com/skokholm/holm.htm
Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre
This website contains good listings of local events and how to get involved with the National Wetland Centre Wales' activities. The site features lists of recent bird sightings in the area, and details on how to get out there and experience bird spotting for yourself.
website: www.wwt.org.uk/visit/llanelli
West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre
A non-profit organisation designed to offer information on wildlife and natural history to decision makers, conservation organisations and the general public in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Promotes conservation of biodiversity, and enhanced public appreciation of wildlife in West Wales through an information service.
website: www.wwbic.org.uk
National Nature Sites
The Bat Conservation Trust
Visit the bat bazaar, a fun part of the website where you can purchase a range of bat memorabilia, browse bat facts, find out about volunteering, bat detectors, events and laws concerning the dusk-time species.
website: www.bats.org.uk
British Dragonfly Society
Here you'll find information and pictures of dragonflies from across Britain - including the SW Wales region. Find out how to get involved in conservation through research and recording projects. Information on funding is available for under 25's interested in researching a wide range of topics.
website: www.dragonflysoc.org.uk
British Marine Life Study Society
This website explores the starfish and other creatures found in the coastal waters of the British Isles and the south west coast. It also has pages and links to information about the oil spill off the shore of Pembrokeshire in 1996 and it's effects on the marine life in the area.
website: www.glaucus.org.uk
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
A national site covering aspects of the Trust's activities in the conservation sector, and how to get involved in their projects. Ranges from information about working holidays to news and press releases about the organisation. There is also an extensive BTCV site for Wales.
website: www.btcv.org
The British Trust for Ornithology
The British Trust for Ornithology website contains bird surveys, research, winter walks, garden bird watches and a lot of details concerning bird ringing. Fine points on training to be a bird ringer can be found covering sex identification, migration, collections of ringed and found birds - and their stories.
website: www.bto.org
Butterfly Conservation
A good local and national site dedicated to butterfly and moth species. There's information and images of different types of species, research projects, study results and facts about migratory patterns. Take a look at the 'Moth of the Month', help promote conservation, educate yourself about species loss or become a 'butterfly guardian'.
website: www.butterfly-conservation.org
Fat Birder: Birdwatching
A site dedicated to the best bird watching points in Wales. Use the map to pick a specific area that interests you. Details and information on specific species can also be found, with photographs, and a useful books and links list.
website: www.fatbirder.com
Fishing in Wales
This comprehensive guide to fishing in Wales also offers a wealth of information about wildlife and conservation issues and projects, including sections on mammals, reptiles, birds, bats, insects, wild flowers and amphibians. You'll also find puzzles, games and quizzes for children.
website: www.fishing-in-wales.com
Forestry Commission
The Commission is the Government Department responsible for forestry throughout Great Britain. Their site offers information about activities in Welsh woodlands, observing woodland wildlife and enjoying the countryside. There's also details about the current and proposed actions of the commission.
website: www.forestry.gov.uk
The Mammal Society
One of the most comprehensive sites in the UK on all aspects of mammals, you can find news, views and guides, get in touch with local groups and contribute to a range of debates. Clear and accessible, it's easy to use and regularly updated.
website: www.mammals.org.uk
Mosses and Liverworts in Wales
At first this site seems very technical but its well illustrated for general browsers and excellent fun. With good photos and descriptions of rare mosses and liverworts in welsh habitats, this site has information on identification, conservation and a map showing specific species found in bogs, woodlands, dunes and rocks.
website: home.clara.net/adhale/bryos/index.htm
National History Museum
This national history museum website has a lot of information about flora and fauna. A postcode search produces local information about flora, butterflies, bird and mammals, alongside species details, protected status data and horticultural information.
website: www.nhm.ac.uk
The National Trust
Founded in 1895, The National Trust was formed to protect threatened coastlines, countryside and buildings. With an extensive events section covering South West Wales, the site covers a wide range of activities, and users can access information on the coastline, gardens, buildings and urban wildlife.
website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Naturenet - UK Countryside and Nature Conservation
Visit the virtual ranger and ask your nature questions, or have a look through the site to findinformation about volunteering, countryside laws, opinions or biodiversity. A great resource with a colourful approach that tackles arange of matters big and small. It contains helpful links and a good list of organisations.
website: www.naturenet.net
RSPB Wales
There is something for everyone in this site which offers a wealth of information about the organisation and its activities, with extensive resources covering nature reserves, bird watching and conservation. The Wildlife and Conservation section provides information on birds in the region, and tips for anyone who wants to become a birdwatcher, observe wildlife through the seasons or become a volunteer.
website: www.rspb.co.uk
The Woodland Trust
This site covers the history and the current status of woodland in Britain. It offers information in Welsh and English onconservation, events, trails and ancient stories. It tackles issues related to this habitat with a direct, accesible approach.
website: www.wildaboutwoods.org.uk
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