Reserves

Visit your local nature reserve

The reserves the Wildlife Trusts care for in Wales are as diverse and uniquely fascinating as the people who work with and support us. Some are owned – wholly or jointly – by the Trusts, others are managed on behalf of other landowners and partners. These reserves include:

• The islands of Skomer and Skokholm, off the Pembrokeshire coast. Both are internationally acclaimed for their bird life, including puffins, Manx shearwaters, razorbills, guillemots, and storm petrels
• One of the most extensive, intact, semi-natural heather moorlands – some 230 ha of SSSI in Mid Wales
• The last fragment of a vitally important fenland site in South Wales – around 40ha of valuable habitat, from open water to marsh and scrub woodland
• Hundreds of acres of registered organic agricultural land, being cultivated and grazed in a wildlife-friendly way
• A former explosives works in North Wales which, through careful restoration work, is once again a home for wildlife and a site with potential for eco-tourism and education
• A flagship reserve and visitor centre comprising 170 ha of rivers, marsh, grassland, and ancient woodland – with the added attraction of water buffalo grazing to keep the marshlands open for wading birds.

Marine and coastal reserves

People tend to think of the Wildlife Trusts caring for nature on dry land but, with such vast areas of coastline in Wales, marine life is just as important. More than 50% of Britain’s biodiversity is under the sea, yet protection for the marine environment is even less adequate than that inland. With threats increasing, the Wildlife Trusts are now giving greater priority to marine issues.

What are the threats to our marine habitats?

The current system of protected areas for the marine environment is failing to protect our special marine wildlife. Unsustainable fishing methods have led to declines of marine species. Pollution continues to be a major problem.

The Wildlife Trusts in Wales want to see:

• A better-protected area system in the marine environment
• Less risk of marine pollution from oil and other toxic substances
• Improved licensing arrangements for companies extracting oil and gas
• Sustainable management of inshore fisheries

Why is managing land for wildlife so important?

Habitat alone is not enough; it needs to be managed. The Wildlife Trusts are increasingly working with other landowners in Wales to ensure that land is cared for in a way which benefits wildlife. Our wide experience of managing areas for wildlife must be shared to ensure that the maximum benefits for biodiversity are achieved.

The Wildlife Trusts care for many thousands of acres of land in Wales, correctly maintaining important habitats which support a huge variety of wildlife. Most of the Trusts have agreements with local farmers, so cattle and sheep – and, sometimes, other stock – are available to graze our land in the best way for wildlife.

Wildlife Trusts Wales is a founder member of PONT (Pori, Natur, a Threftadaeth – Grazing, Nature, and Heritage) an organisation which works with farmers and graziers in the Welsh countryside to get the best possible deal for wildlife, the landscape, and the cultural heritage of our country.

Protecting habitat

The fragmented nature of many habitats and plant and animal populations increases vulnerability and may make it more difficult for them to adapt. The Wildlife Trusts aim to link up large areas with corridors of new habitat, so that species can gradually move and multiply. The opportunities to create vast new areas for wildlife are limited in a relatively small country like Wales, but they do exist. The Wildlife Trusts are committed to making it happen.