Wales · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Caerphilly

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

01 / 05

Aberbargoed Grasslands National Nature Reserve

Near Aberbargoed

Habitat: Traditional wet and dry meadows interspersed with rush pasture, hedgerows, scrub and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Marsh fritillary butterfly (late May–June), whitethroat (spring–summer), swallow (spring–summer), chimney sweeper moth (early summer).

02 / 05

Near Draethen, near Caerphilly

Habitat: Recovering native woodland with small areas of heathland, wildflower meadow and ponds.
Wildlife to look for: Hazel dormouse (elusive; active spring–autumn), greater horseshoe bat (warmer evenings), great crested newt (breeding in water in spring), grass snake (warmer months).

03 / 05

Near Cwmfelinfach

Habitat: Ancient oak, beech and birch woodland on the slopes of the Sirhowy Valley.
Wildlife to look for: Nuthatch, treecreeper, pied flycatcher (spring–summer), redstart (spring–summer).

04 / 05

Near Wattsville, near Crosskeys

Habitat: Traditional species-rich hay meadows with wet grassland and wooded margins.
Wildlife to look for: Small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly (late spring–summer), marsh pug moth (late spring–early summer), Daubenton’s bat (warmer evenings), noctule bat (warmer evenings).

05 / 05

Near Deri, near Bargoed

Habitat: Traditional meadows, marshy grassland, ponds and small woodland patches within Parc Cwm Darran.
Wildlife to look for: Green woodpecker, yellow meadow ant (most active in warmer months), dingy skipper butterfly (historically recorded; spring–early summer).