Anglesey & Northwest Wales

Overview

Anglesey and northwest Wales are a naturalists paradise. Often overlooked for Scotland or the south, the region holds an exceptional diversity of species in a comparatively small area. Low-lying Anglesey is a mosaic of mires and bogs, sand dune systems, rocky coasts and cliffs and home to a huge variety of species from the massive seabird colonies of South Stack to the unique flora and invertebrate fauna of the wetlands. Bitterns, Grasshopper Warblers, an extensive tern colony, Black Guillemots and Chough all head up the birding line-up on the island, whilst Fly, Frog, Welsh and Marsh Orchids, Dune and Sword-leaved Helleborine make for a superb selection of Orchids.

The mountains of Snowdonia offer a completely different set of species and vistas. We will walk in the footsteps of Darwin through the cwms in search of Arctic-alpine plants, Ring Ouzels and Wheatears, Red Kites and hopefully Hen Harriers. The verdant oakwoods are home to Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler whilst species such as Hawfinch can also be found with luck. The mountain streams support Dippers and Grey Wagtails and in the lowlands Ospreys now breed.

Weather-permitting we will endeavour to reach the delightful island of Enlli, also known as Bardsey, which sits off the tip of the Lleyn Peninsula. This island is home to just a handful of people and a Bird Observatory and with luck our visit will coincide with a few late migrants. The island is also a superb place to explore for plants, insects, Grey Seals and soak in the ambience of this remote Welsh island.

 Our experience of Northwest Wales will be rounded off with a day on the Great Orme and Conwy Valley. The Orme is a monumental lump of Limestone which supports a critically rare endemic Cotoneaster and also Puffins, Chough and a variety of invertebrates. Nearby another grassland site boasts an extensive colony of Green-winged Orchids, some of which may still be in flower as well as species such as Brown Argus butterfly.

Our tour will also hear first-hand from a local reserve manager about the transformations that have occurred in North Wales and the positive impacts they have had on wildlife conservation.

With both Rachael & Dan as leaders you get the best leader to guest ratio around and double the knowledge.