Wales · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Torfaen
Explore these places for wildlife in Torfaen. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve
Near Blaenavon.
- Habitat
- Restored former industrial land supports lakes, wetland, grassland and woodland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Tufted duck, little grebe, skylark (especially spring–summer), snipe (especially autumn–winter), black-tailed skimmer dragonfly (summer).
02 / 05
Branches Fork Meadows
Near Pontnewynydd.
- Habitat
- Damp and heathy grassland is linked by young oak woodland and willow scrub.
- Wildlife to look for
- Green woodpecker, goldcrest, bullfinch, large skipper butterfly (summer), small heath butterfly (late spring–summer).
03 / 05
Tirpentwys Local Nature Reserve
Near Pantygasseg, near Pontypool.
- Habitat
- Ancient beech woodland borders restored grassland, ponds, streams and former quarry workings.
- Wildlife to look for
- Tree pipit (spring–summer), nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, long-winged conehead bush-cricket (summer–autumn).
04 / 05
Cwmavon Corridor Local Nature Reserve
Near Cwmavon, between Blaenavon and Garndiffaith.
- Habitat
- Mature oak, beech and hazel woodland borders grassland along a former railway.
- Wildlife to look for
- Pied flycatcher (spring–summer), wood warbler (spring–summer), redstart (spring–summer).
05 / 05
Cwmynyscoy Quarry Local Nature Reserve
Near Pontypool, at Cwmynyscoy.
- Habitat
- A disused limestone quarry contains exposed rock faces and flower-rich calcareous grassland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Dingy skipper butterfly (spring–early summer), grayling butterfly (summer), noctule bat (warmer months, around dusk), barn owl (mainly dusk and night).