Wales · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Powys

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

01 / 05

Cors Dyfi

Near Derwenlas, near Machynlleth.

Habitat: Lowland wetland with bog, reedbeds, scrub and wet woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Osprey (spring–summer), reed warbler (spring–summer), common lizard (warmer months), four-spotted chaser dragonfly (late spring–summer), otter (elusive).

02 / 05

Near St Harmon, near Rhayader.

Habitat: An old hill farm combining flower-rich meadows, woodland, heath and the River Marteg.
Wildlife to look for: Pied flycatcher (spring–summer), redstart (spring–summer), dipper, small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly (late spring–summer), Atlantic salmon (autumn spawning migration).

03 / 05

Near Dylife.

Habitat: Open heather moorland and bog surround an exposed upland lake.
Wildlife to look for: Red grouse, meadow pipit (especially spring–summer), skylark (especially spring–summer), emperor moth (spring).

04 / 05

Near Welshpool.

Habitat: A former gravel pit now forms a freshwater lake with reed margins and surrounding woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Great crested grebe, kingfisher, tufted duck, little ringed plover (spring–summer), otter (elusive).

05 / 05

Near Talgarth.

Habitat: Broadleaved woodland surrounds the River Enig and its waterfalls.
Wildlife to look for: Dipper, pied flycatcher (spring–summer), wood warbler (spring–summer), hazel dormouse (rarely seen), speckled wood butterfly (spring–autumn).