Nature Reserves in Anglesey

Anglesey has several designated nature reserves that protect its diverse wildlife and geology. This collection focuses on four key reserves, including coastal dune systems, forests, and internationally significant fens. The primary activities available are hiking, cycling, and running on a network of established trails.

The main activities are human-powered, including hiking, cycling, and running. Across the four main reserves, there are more than 400 routes available. Specific guides exist for Hiking in Anglesey and Cycling in Anglesey, detailing many of the available trails.

This page aggregates routes and information for four key nature reserves on Anglesey. These include the coastal Newborough Warren And Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve and the island's largest fen, Cors Erddreiniog. The other reserves featured are Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve and Cors Goch National Nature Reserve.

Newborough Warren offers a mix of landscapes, including coniferous forest, sand dunes, and the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn. There are over 100 routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging. The terrain varies from flat forest tracks to sandy coastal paths, providing options for different activities and fitness levels.

Cors Erddreiniog is the largest of the Anglesey fens and is an internationally important wetland. It features a diverse mosaic of habitats including reedbeds, heathland, and woodland. The reserve offers over 120 routes for hiking and cycling, with trails and boardwalks allowing exploration of its unique ecosystem.

Yes, several reserves offer trails suitable for families. Newborough Forest has waymarked, relatively flat trails through the woods and dunes. Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve features an accessible boardwalk through the fen. For more options, see the guide to Family-friendly hikes in Anglesey.

Rules for dogs vary by reserve and time of year to protect wildlife, particularly ground-nesting birds and grazing livestock. For example, at RSPB South Stack Cliffs, dogs are welcome on public rights of way but not in the visitor centre or on the heathland trails. Always check local signage and keep dogs under close control or on a lead where required.

Hiking is a primary activity, with over 150 designated hiking trails across the four main reserves. Newborough Warren offers coastal and forest hikes, while the fen reserves like Cors Erddreiniog provide walks on boardwalks and paths through wetlands.

There are numerous cycling routes, including options for road cycling, touring, and mountain biking. The reserves collectively feature over 80 road and touring cycling routes and more than 20 mountain bike trails. The terrain ranges from quiet lanes around the fens to forest tracks in Newborough.

The terrain in fen reserves such as Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve is generally flat and wet. These areas are characterized by reedbeds, wet meadows, and peat-forming plants. Main paths often include boardwalks to provide stable footing and protect the sensitive habitat.

The reserves can be visited year-round, but different seasons offer unique experiences. Spring brings wildflowers like bluebells and orchids, while summer is ideal for seeing breeding seabirds at coastal sites like South Stack and Cemlyn Bay. Autumn offers woodland colors, and winter can be a good time for birdwatching in the wetlands.

RSPB South Stack Cliffs is a notable reserve on Holy Island, famous for its seabird colonies. During the breeding season, up to 9,000 birds, including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, nest on the cliffs. The reserve is also an important habitat for choughs and the rare spathulate fleawort plant.