Last week, the subject of our blog post was the wonderful RSPB charity, which is dedicated to looking after and conserving the country’s birds and wildlife. The charity is very well known for its work with the bird life of Britain, but did you know that they also look after many thousands of acres of wild reserves across the country?

The RSPB nature reserves are essential havens for wildlife to thrive in, and are special places to explore, discover and get closer to nature.

The RSPB looks after 14 different Nature Reserves in Wales, all of which are open to the public, and a visit to any one of them makes a great day out for the whole family. Here they are:

• Dee Estuary (Point of Ayr) – a remote part of the Dee Estuary reserve located on the northern-most tip of Wales, where it’s possible to see a huge range of wading birds.
• Conwy – a wetland on the east bank of the Conwy estuary, created from material dug out during construction of the A55 road tunnel.
• Cors Ddyga, Anglesey – a wetland habitat that is home to 30 scarce wetland plants and one of the largest lapwing colonies in Wales.
• Valley Wetlands, Anglesey – visit these lakes and wetlands to see wildfowl all year round.
• South Stack Cliffs, Anglesey – a wonderful reserve set on a stretch of dramatic sea cliffs where you can see many different breeds of sea birds, including the rare chough.
• Mawddach Valley, Arthog Bog –  Arthog Bog is a small wetland reserve, but it’s packed full of wildlife and a fabulous place to see beautiful flowers and insect life.
• Mawddach Valley, Coed Garth Gell –  a forest and heathland nature reserve which is internationally important for the rare mosses, liverworts and lichens which grow amongst the ancient oak trees.
• Ynys Hir – a stunning reserve sandwiched between the hills of Southern Snowdonia and the Cambrian mountains.
• Lake Vyrnwy – Lake Vyrnwy is a 19th century reservoir built to supply Liverpool with fresh water. Today, it’s a haven for wildlife and birds.
• Carngafallt – a beautiful mix of ancient oak woodland with stunning veteran trees, wood pasture and moorland. Don’t miss the red kites soaring above!
• Gwenffrwd Dinas – a huge selection of bird life and stunning river walks are found at this Carmarthenshire reserve.
• Ramsey Island – A dramatic offshore island with high cliffs that provide perfect habitat for a spectacular range of sea birds.
• Cwm Clydach – a broadleaved woodland on the edge of Swansea; home to a wealth of birdlife and wildlife.
• Newport Wetlands – this stunning wetlands lies between the Severn Estuary and the River Usk. A fascinating place to visit.