Wales · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Neath Port Talbot

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

01 / 05

Pant y Sais National Nature Reserve

Near Jersey Marine.

Habitat: Reedbeds, sedge beds and wet fen lie alongside the Tennant Canal.
Wildlife to look for: Reed warbler (spring–summer), sedge warbler (spring–summer), water rail (elusive), grass snake (warmer months), fen raft spider (warmer months, along the adjoining canal).

02 / 05

Near Melincourt, near Resolven.

Habitat: Ancient oak woodland surrounds a steep stream gorge and waterfall.
Wildlife to look for: Dipper, grey wagtail, pied flycatcher (spring–summer), redstart (spring–summer), wood warbler (spring–summer).

03 / 05

Near Pontardawe.

Habitat: Ancient riverside woodland and mixed plantation cover a steep-sided valley.
Wildlife to look for: Dipper, grey wagtail, wood warbler (spring–summer), spotted flycatcher (late spring–summer), otter (rarely seen).

04 / 05

Near Bryn.

Habitat: Flower-rich grassland, heath and gorse scrub cover a restored colliery spoil tip.
Wildlife to look for: Dark green fritillary butterfly (summer), small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly (late spring–summer), common lizard (warmer months), skylark (especially spring–summer), linnet.

05 / 05

Near Blaenrhondda; walking access is from Rhigos Road or Cwm-hwnt.

Habitat: A glacial lake beneath steep cliffs is surrounded by heath, bog and recovering grassland.
Wildlife to look for: Water vole (elusive; most active in warmer months), palmate newt (breeding in water in spring), little grebe, nightjar (summer evenings).