Wales · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Explore these places for wildlife in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Cwm Cadlan National Nature Reserve
Near Penderyn.
- Habitat
- Lime-rich springs feed alkaline fen and flower-rich marshy grassland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Redstart (spring–summer), spotted flycatcher (summer), stonechat, marsh fritillary butterfly (May–June).
02 / 05
Pwll Waun Cynon
Near Mountain Ash.
- Habitat
- A large pond and marsh sit beside flood meadow, woodland and scrub in the Cynon Valley.
- Wildlife to look for
- Little grebe, kingfisher, reed bunting, southern hawker dragonfly (summer–early autumn), common blue damselfly (late spring–summer).
03 / 05
Brynna Woods and Llanharan Marsh
Near Brynna and Llanharan.
- Habitat
- Broadleaved woodland and scrub border marshy grassland and drier open areas.
- Wildlife to look for
- Hazel dormouse (rarely seen), bullfinch, jay, blackcap (especially spring–summer), chiffchaff (especially spring–summer).
04 / 05
Glyncornel Local Nature Reserve
Near Llwynypia.
- Habitat
- Valley-side oak woodland includes old hazel coppice, alder and a dense shrub layer.
- Wildlife to look for
- Wood warbler (spring–summer), blackcap (especially spring–summer), chiffchaff (especially spring–summer), robin.
05 / 05
Y Gweira
Near Beddau, near Llantrisant.
- Habitat
- Marshy grassland, mire and lowland wet heath form a mosaic beside Llantrisant Common.
- Wildlife to look for
- Meadow pipit (especially spring–summer), skylark (especially spring–summer), common darter dragonfly (summer–autumn).