Wales · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Bridgend

Explore these places for wildlife in Bridgend. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Kenfig National Nature Reserve

Near Kenfig, near Pyle

Habitat: Coastal sand dunes and wet dune hollows surrounding a large freshwater lake.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern (winter visitor; elusive), tufted duck (especially autumn–winter), pochard (winter).

02 / 05

Near Merthyr Mawr, near Bridgend

Habitat: Extensive coastal dunes with grassland, woodland, saltmarsh and beach.
Wildlife to look for: Grizzled skipper butterfly (spring), dingy skipper butterfly (spring–early summer), grayling butterfly (summer), common lizard (warmer months).

03 / 05

Near Aberkenfig, near Bridgend

Habitat: Restored former opencast land containing wildflower meadows, woodland, ponds and wetlands.
Wildlife to look for: Lapwing (especially spring), great crested newt (breeding in water in spring), harvest mouse (elusive), snipe (winter).

04 / 05

Near Bridgend

Habitat: Broadleaved woodland on a steep slope beside the River Ogmore.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, green woodpecker, treecreeper, Daubenton’s bat (warmer evenings).

05 / 05

Near Porthcawl

Habitat: Exposed coastal grassland and heath over limestone beside the sea.
Wildlife to look for: Stonechat, rock pipit, kestrel, skylark (especially spring–summer).