RSPB Cwm Clydach Reserve

The RSPB Cwm Clydach reserve is contained within a steeply wooded valley leading to mountain moorland and contains many interesting birds and other woodland wildlife.

The reserve is well described on the RSPB Reserves page (see link below) and has many remnants of early industrial development, having been coal mined for at least 300 years. It has a tramway running the whole length, providing a relatively easy footpath for visitors.

The reserve was established in 1986, after the RSPB found a large number of unusual breeding birds here, more than anywhere else in South Wales. The reserve is good for woodland birds, but is also worth a visit for the plants and insects. The stream running through the middle of the reserve provides a habitat for many types of wildlife.

Swansea & District Local Group members have been actively supporting the reserve with fundraising and work parties and organise an Adopt a Nest Box scheme. For an annual subscription of £2.00 per nestbox, subscribers will receive an end of season report, (approx. October) on the breeding activities of the occupants in your very own nestbox(es) that could include Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Blue Tit, Great Tit, and Nuthatch. The annual subscription fee will go towards the upkeep and repair of the adopted nestbox(es). Sponsors will receive reports of the birds using the nestboxes.

Some birds are also ringed and a Pied flycatcher (X113161) that was ringed as a nestling on 05-06-08 in box 74 was found in Ground Cape Mount County, Liberia on 27-10-08, 5002km away but unfortunately dying. This is the first British ringed Pied flycatcher to be found in Liberia and it is a particularly noteworthy recovery as little is known about the extent of the wintering range of Pied flycatchers.

Arguably, without the sponsorship of the nestboxes, this Pied flycatcher might never have made it to adulthood, never mind flying 5000kms to Africa. Many thanks to all the RSPB members who have sponsored nestboxes in Cwm Clydach.

Reserve work parties are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Please meet at Reserve Car Park at 10.30am and wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor working and weather. Gloves and tools are provided. Please bring lunch and drinks. Please contact RSPB warden Becky Hulme at becky.hulme@rspb.org.uk to confirm attendance.