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Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve

Cardiff  >  United Kingdom

Located in the 19.8 acres freshwater lake of Cardiff Bay created by the Barrage, the reedbeds are important for birds, invertebrates, fish and amphibians.

Added* by Marnix Roels
Most recent update 17 travnja 2020

Description

Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve is located in Cardiff Bay in the city of Cardiff. It covers an area of approximately 8 hectares (19.8 acres). The area was officially opened as a wildlife reserve on 25 July 2002 in what was previously an area of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) up until the opening of the Cardiff Bay Barrage in April 2001. The area had previously been salt marsh, but the Barrage created 200 hectares of freshwater lake, and from this the reserve was developed.

A number of bird species including Močvarna Strnadica, Trstenjak cvrkutić, Trstenjak Rogožar, use this habitat in which to build nests. Reedbed is not only important for birds, but also for invertebrates, fish, and amphibians.

A footpath crosses the reserve from St. David’s Hotel to the Yacht Club on the River Taff. At the end of this footpath, a boardwalk goes out into the water, allowing good viewing across the Reserve, and also provides a good spot for watching the fish shoaling in the shallow waters.

Although public access is not permitted onto the main body of the reserve, this is to allow excellent breeding and feeding conditions to develop for the species present. It is possible to view many bird species from the public area with the naked eye, and binoculars will allow an even better birding experience.

Details

Access

There is limited parking in Windsor Esplanade. Alternatively, there are bus services (e.g. Cardiff Bus Baycar no.6) from the centre of Cardiff to Cardiff Bay.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Lake , Reedbeds , City/village

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring , Summer , Autumn

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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