Red kites in Ceredigion

1 April to 30 September 2009

No such thing as a free lunch? We don't agree. Patrolling the beautiful, wild forests of Ceredigion can be hungry work.

Of course, we haven't got the nicest table manners in the world – plummeting from the skies to grab a morsel from the busy feasts that Forestry Commission Wales kindly put on for us, we definitely believe it should be first-come-first-served. And we like to eat on the wing, so keep an eye on the skies.

RSPB Cymru staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you learn more about us, as well as all the other birds and wildlife found on and around the lakes and trails. You can also see footage from a red kite nest (courtesy of The Welsh Kite Trust).

With so much to see free of charge and expert RSPB guides on hand, why not tuck in to Ceredigion this year? Watching the kite feeding is free! Car park charges apply.

When can you see us?

The visitor centre is open between 10 am and 5 pm (until dusk in winter), and food is placed on the ground at 3 pm in summer and 2 pm in winter (weather permitting). RSPB Cymru staff will be on hand from 1 April until 30 September.

What's at the site?

Our friends from RSPB Cymru will be on hand from 1 April until 30 September to tell you all about us and the other birds and wildlife that live here. And in case you get peckish just watching us, the nearby coffee shop serves tasty homemade food.

No matter your ability, come and enjoy the superb views on a walk around Bwlch Nant yr Arian, and for those with an urge to get muddy there are also mountain bike trails, as well as showers and a bike wash.

A coffee shop serves drinks, homemade soups, meals and cakes everyday, and while enjoying your lunch be wowed by the birds visiting the giant bird feeder on the decking area. There's also a small gift shop within the coffee shop. Binoculars are available for you to use here. There's a charge for car parking.

How to find us

By bus: Take the 525 service from Aberystwyth (Monday-Saturday). Ask to get off at Bwlch Nant yr Arian.

By car: Bwlch Nant yr Arian is 9 miles east of Aberystwyth on the A44 and 2 miles west of the village of Ponterwyd. (Car park fee £1.50 all day. Season ticket available from forestry office Monday-Friday).

What should I bring?

You can bring your own food or eat at the visitor centre café. We suggest bringing clothing suitable for wet weather, just in case...

Still got some questions?

Telephone: RSPB Wales Headquarters on 029 2035 3000

Why not make a day of it?

Forestry Commission Wales' Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian Visitor Centre is the place to start walks in the spectacular scenery of Ceredigion, or enjoy a mountain bike ride. For more information please visit the link below.

• Nant yr Arian

This RSPB date is brought to you with the help of... the Welsh Kite Trust and Forestry Commission Wales.