The Spinnies nature reserve is incredibly accessible being close to the main North Wales A55 road and the city of Bangor and is surrounded by the Snowdonia mountains with the Menai Straits nearby.
Getting there
The Spinnies, Aberogwen (SH 613 721) can be approached from Bangor by following the Tal-y-Bont road from the roundabout on the A5122 near the Penrhyn Castle entrance. The road to the reserve is signposted on the left hand side after 1km.
The four hectare site is managed by volunteers and staff from the and has over 185 species of birds make use of the Aberogwen estuary, tidal pool, lagoons and surrounding woodland.
Habitats
A huge variety of habitats can be found within the Spinnies Reserve, which sits next to the River Ogwen, where it joins the Menai Strait.
Freshwater meets saltwater in the reserve, and a variety of birds can be seen from the two hides which overlook the lagoon.
The reserve's Aberogwen Lagoon was formed in 1822 when the canalisation and diversion of the River Ogwen cut off the coastal meander. The reserve forms part of the Penrhyn Estate, but has been managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust since 1983.
It is one of the Trust's most visited sites, and a team of staff and local volunteers carry out regular work around the reserve, including monitoring of water levels, upkeep of hides and paths, and habitat management.
Bird life
The reserve is a favourite for large numbers of waders and a visit to the reserve's main hide, either side of high tide, can provide excellent views of the birds feeding.
Oystercatchers and curlew feed in their thousands on the internationally important coastal stretch of Traeth Lafan, which also includes the Spinnies.
The site is one of the best places in the area for seeing wintering kingfisher, and up to 100 little egrets can often be spotted roosting on the edges of the coast or in the pools.
The reserve is also of interest for notable numbers of greenshank, goldeneye, red breasted merganser, and heron.
The Neo-Norman Penrhyn Castle was built in the early 19th century, and overlooks the reserve with the walls forming its western boundary. The pampas grass on the reserve is another legacy of the Victorian era.
Parking is provided at the end of the road overlooking the shore. From here it is a short walk back to the reserve entrance.
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