Wales · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Vale of Glamorgan

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

01 / 05

Cosmeston Lakes Local Nature Reserve

Near Penarth, at Cosmeston.

Habitat: Freshwater lakes and reedbeds are surrounded by woodland, scrub and wildflower meadows.
Wildlife to look for: Great crested grebe, mute swan, pochard (winter), teal (winter), shoveler (winter).

02 / 05

Near Lavernock, near Penarth.

Habitat: Coastal limestone grassland, scrub and small woodland patches overlook the Bristol Channel.
Wildlife to look for: Purple hairstreak butterfly (summer), green woodpecker, bullfinch, whitethroat (spring–summer), redwing (autumn–winter).

03 / 05

Near Castle upon Alun.

Habitat: Ancient broadleaved woodland occupies limestone slopes above the Alun Valley.
Wildlife to look for: Great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, treecreeper, marsh tit, tawny owl (mainly dusk and night).

04 / 05

Near Llancarfan.

Habitat: Ancient ash and oak woodland includes scrub, wet flushes and a small meadow.
Wildlife to look for: Nuthatch, treecreeper, garden warbler (spring–summer), brown argus butterfly (late spring–summer), woodcock (winter).

05 / 05

Near Llantwit Major.

Habitat: Coastal limestone grassland, scrub and ash woodland cover the side of a sheltered valley.
Wildlife to look for: Yellowhammer, linnet, whitethroat (spring–summer), small blue butterfly (late spring–summer), peregrine falcon.