Ynys-hir RSPB reserve

Ynys-hir RSPB reserve lies beside the Dyfi estuary in Ceredigion, mid Wales, between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth. The reserve covers 550 hectares and stretches inland from mudflats and salt marsh through farmland and pools to oak woodland and hillside scrub. A small visitor centre and seven hides provide places to watch wildlife. The name Ynys-hir means ‘Long Island’ in Welsh, referring to a wooded ridge once surrounded by marshland. The area was a private estate until the RSPB bought it and opened the reserve in 1970. The reserve holds important breeding birds such as lapwing and redshank, while little egrets have joined the grey herons in the heronry. Woodlands shelter redstart, wood warbler and pied flycatcher, and red kites often pass overhead. In winter, ducks like shelduck, wigeon and teal arrive, along with waders including oystercatcher and curlew. Greenland white-fronted geese and barnacle geese also winter here, and rare visitors such as a gull-billed tern have been recorded. Otters, polecats and hazel dormice live alongside dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies, while wild flowers include bluebells, sundews, bog asphodel and bog-rosemary. A visitor finds a network of paths through varied habitats, with seven hides offering views over the estuary and pools. The oak woodlands and hillside scrub provide sheltered walks among resident birds. The small visitor centre introduces the reserve’s wildlife and history, and the reserve hosted the BBC’s Springwatch programme for three years. The Dyfi National Nature Reserve and Dyfi Osprey Project lie nearby, adding to the area’s appeal for nature lovers.