Wales · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Cardiff

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

01 / 05

Forest Farm and Glamorganshire Canal Local Nature Reserve

Near Cardiff — Whitchurch

Habitat: Surviving canal sections, ponds and marshes bordered by woodland and hay meadows.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, moorhen, coot, mallard.

02 / 05

Near Cardiff — Penylan

Habitat: An urban mosaic of woodland, meadows, ponds and wetlands on restored former landfill.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, grey heron, sedge warbler (spring–summer), snipe (mainly autumn–winter).

03 / 05

Near Cardiff — Cardiff Bay

Habitat: Freshwater reedbeds and shallow wetland margins on the northern shore of Cardiff Bay.
Wildlife to look for: Reed bunting, great crested grebe, sedge warbler (spring–summer), peacock butterfly (warmer months).

04 / 05

Near Lavernock, near Penarth, on the mainland; the island is within Cardiff

Habitat: An offshore limestone island with maritime grassland, rocky shores and seabird nesting areas.
Wildlife to look for: Lesser black-backed gull (breeding spring–summer), shelduck, oystercatcher, slow-worm (warmer months).

05 / 05

Near Cardiff — Cyncoed and Llanishen

Habitat: Streamside woodland and wildflower meadows forming a green corridor through northern Cardiff.
Wildlife to look for: Great spotted woodpecker, grey wagtail, speckled wood butterfly (spring–autumn), common blue butterfly (late spring–summer).