Enjoy the beautiful scenery in this iconic part of mid-Wales. See what wildlife is about in the Oak woods, saltmarsh and estuary. Summer is a great time to see Redstarts, Common Lizards, Slow Worms and Grass Snakes.
With the mountains of southern Eryri (Snowdonia) to the north and the Cambrian mountains to the south, once you enter the Ynys-hir reserve, you’ll be surrounded by beauty. And the birds agree, it’s a haven for waders, ducks, geese and some special woodland loving birds.
Ynys-hir treats you to a variety of habitats. Enjoy a wonder through Welsh Oak woodland down to estuary saltmarsh. Take in the views across lowland wet grasslands, freshwater pools, reedbeds and peat bog . The sheer variety here means there’s a whole host of wildlife to spot too. Springtime sees the arrival back of Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and a variety of warblers. Small Red Damselflies, Brimstone butterflies, Otters, Common Lizards, Slow Worms, and Grass Snakes all call this patch home.
The reserve covers an area of 800 hectares containing some really important sites for wildlife. Our team of wardens and volunteers carefully manage these habitats to restore a conifer plantation into an active peat bog habitat. Managing the lowland, wet grassland supporting this habitat, we’re safeguarding England and Wales’s only wintering population of Greenland White-fronted Geese and providing the perfect spot for breeding Lapwing and Redshank.
With three different trails to explore, a picnic area with a stunning view of pools and reedbeds, Ynys-hir is great for a day out or a stop along the Wales Coastal Way.
Enjoy the wildlife up close with binoculars, pond dipping and grass sweeping kits available to hire.
30 Spaces.
2 Blue badge spaces. Flat gradient. Blue badge parking spaces 30 metres from the Visitor Centre.
Surface is loose compacted stone. No electrical lighting. No height restrictions.
Access to toilets and visitor centre is via ramps and steps.
Accessible toilet is a hired Portaloo on level of car park.
Baby changing in M/F only
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
The main toilet block is accessible only by steps and a steep ramp.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
No dogs allowed except for assistance dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
Discover exciting events all year at Ynys-hir. Join us for one of our guided walks!
We know that Ynys-Hir is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.