Valley Wetlands

Valley Wetlands lies on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, just south-east of the village of Valley. It belongs to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and covers lakes and reedbeds beside RAF Valley airfield. The western side holds three lakes: Llyn Penrhyn, Llyn Treflesg and part of Llyn Dinam. The eastern side contains Llyn Traffwll and wetlands along the Afon Crigyll. Two Sites of Special Scientific Interest cover much of the reserve. Breeding birds include sedge and reed warblers, with Cetti’s warbler now present too. Shoveler, gadwall and pochard nest here, and in colder months numbers rise while bittern and marsh harrier appear. Rare visitors have included whiskered tern, green-winged teal and ring-necked duck. The reserve’s plant life features large reed and willow beds plus uncommon species such as eight-stamened waterwort and flowering rush. Visitors walk paths beside the lakes and reedbeds, watching waterfowl and listening for warblers. Otters and water voles live along the water’s edge, while dragonflies and damselflies drift above the wetlands. The mix of open water, reeds and willow scrub creates varied habitats for birds and insects alike.