Lake Vyrnwy - Nature Reserve and Conservation

Nature Reserve and Conservation

Lake Vyrnwy is a Nature Reserve. The RSPB has several bird hides around the lake, where a number of rare species of birds are known to be breeding, including the Peregrin Falcon, the Pied Flycatcher the Redstart the Siskin and the Wood Warbler. Every spring they host a Dawn Chorus tour.

Around 90 species of bird have been recorded as breeding on the reserve, and six species of bat, including the pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat. Butterfly species include Purple Hairstreaks, commas and peacocks. Dragonflies include Golden Ringed, Common Hawker and Four spotted chaser.

Heather Moorland that grows on the mountains around the lake is now being resorted. This restoration of heather moorland is becoming increasingly common in Britain. The heather is usually burnt, cut, and the seeds collected to be sowed where the heather has gone. Management of the moorland helps improve the habitat for Red Grouse and the Short-eared Owl. Sheep, cattle and ponies also graze on the heather.

Broadleaf trees are being planted to replace coniferous trees, and man-made features such as hedgerows and dry-stone walls are also being restored, and wild flowers areas are being restored to help insects, birds, and other wildlife.