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Whether you're a seasoned twitcher or simply enjoy the calming presence of birdsong over your morning cuppa, West Wales is a haven for bird lovers. From clifftop lookouts to estuary hideouts, the region is home to an extraordinary range of species – and the best bit? Many of them are just a short drive (or even walk!) from Trenewydd. Here’s a guide to some of the best birdwatching spots nearby, and what to keep an eye – and ear – out for during your stay with us.  Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve – Just 10 Minutes Away
Run by the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, Teifi Marshes is one of the best birding spots in the area. With a mix of reedbeds, freshwater pools, woodland, and the River Teifi itself, it attracts a rich variety of birds year-round. What to spot:
The reserve has several hides, an excellent visitor centre at the Welsh Wildlife Centre, and it’s dog-friendly (on leads) – ideal if you're heading out with your four-legged companion. Strumble Head – For Seabirds and Sheer Drama If you fancy a trip up the coast, Strumble Head, near Fishguard, offers incredible views and dramatic clifftop birdwatching. It’s a brilliant spot for watching seabird colonies in action, and in autumn, it becomes a magnet for migratory species. Look out for:
Bring your binoculars – and a windproof jacket! Cardigan Bay Cliffs – Birdlife Meets Dolphins Just along the coast, the cliffs near Mwnt, Aberporth and New Quay offer something a little special: not just seabirds, but a chance to watch bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic grey seals while you’re at it. The combination of stunning scenery and soaring birds makes this a peaceful place to linger. Birds you might see:
If you're staying at Trenewydd, we’ll happily point you to our favourite quiet cliff walks nearby. Birds at Trenewydd You don’t have to go far to spot something special – in fact, you might not need to leave your cottage at all! Trenewydd’s gardens, hedgerows, and open skies attract a variety of regular visitors, including:
Bring your binoculars and a cuppa outside your cottage, and see what you can spot! West Wales is one of the UK’s hidden birdwatching gems so if this is your passion, make the most of it during your stay. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a dolphin leap through the surf just metres from your boat, or even from the shore. Cardigan Bay is one of the best places in the UK to witness this magic, home to the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in the country. These playful, intelligent creatures can often be seen riding the waves, leaping into the air, or swimming alongside boats, creating moments that thrill children and adults alike. Whether you're on a dedicated boat tour or simply looking out from a clifftop, spotting a dolphin in the wild is a truly special experience, and one that keeps visitors coming back year after year.  Meet the Cardigan Bay Dolphins
Cardigan Bay is home to over 250–300 bottlenose dolphins, many of which live here all year round. These dolphins are larger than those found in other UK waters, thanks to the colder climate and rich feeding grounds of West Wales. With some reaching lengths of up to 4 metres, they’re a majestic sight to behold. Dolphins in Cardigan Bay are known for their acrobatic behaviour, often breaching the water’s surface or playing in the wake of passing boats. This section of coastline is part of a Special Area of Conservation, offering protection not just to dolphins, but also to a wide variety of other marine life. Other Marine Visitors to Look Out For Dolphins may steal the show, but Cardigan Bay has more marine magic to offer. You might spot Atlantic grey seals lounging on the rocks or bobbing in the surf, especially around Cardigan Island and Mwnt. On occasion, harbour porpoises, sunfish, or even basking sharks and minke whales make appearances. Seabird watchers will also be rewarded with gannets, guillemots, razorbills, and even the occasional puffin along the coast. Dolphin Spotting Tours – Dog-Friendly Options The best way to increase your chances of seeing dolphins up close is to take a boat tour with an experienced, wildlife-conscious operator. They're dog friendly too, so don't leave your pet behind! We recommend: 1. Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips (New Quay) This long-established operator offers 1–2 hour trips and follows the recommended marine code of conduct. Dogs are welcome to join the adventure at no extra cost. 2. SeaMôr (New Quay) Run by marine biologists, SeaMôr offers guided tours with plenty of fascinating facts along the way. Boats are stable and open for great viewing, and dogs are allowed onboard. 3. A Bay to Remember (Cardigan & Gwbert) Launching from the Cardigan side of the bay, this company operates exhilarating RIB tours to areas rich in marine life. While trips are weather-dependent, dogs are welcome on many sailings - just check ahead when booking. Top Tips for Spotting Dolphins
The abundance of nature here in West Wales is one of the best reasons to visit this wonderful area and there are in fact more than 70 National Nature Reserve in Wales, where habitats and wildlife are protected. AutumnWatch 2022 was actually filmed in our nearest Nature Reserve, the Welsh Wildlife Centre and Teifi Marshes. There are plenty of other options available within an hour or two's drive, but these are our closest.  1. The Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran
The Welsh Wildlife Centre is just 10 minutes away from us, in the nearby village of Cilgerran. You can drive there, or a great option is to park up in Cardigan then cross the old bridge and walk over the boardwalks to reach it that way. It's only about a mile each way, and is perfectly flat for buggies or wheelchairs. The newly refurbished visitors centre is a beautiful construction and houses interactive information screens, a fab information centre, a shop, and also the Glasshouse Café, which is good food at good prices. If it's nice, you can take your food outside and enjoy the stunning views over the Teifi valley and Cardigan town. In the school holidays it's worth checking to see if they have anything on for the kids. There's usually nature based arts and crafts, or bug finding and that kind of thing which you can book ahead for. It's a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, there'll always be something to see! Website 2. Pengelli Forest National Nature Reserve, Cardigan Pengelli Forest is part of the largest area of ancient oak woodland in West Wales, where you'll see sessile oak, ash, alder, and birch trees. Near the entrance is a very useful map, which allows you to pick the length of your walk and follow the coloured guide arrow all the way round. It's a great place to head to see bluebells in the spring, and there are plenty of other beautiful wild flowers too as well as hazel, honeysuckle, hawthorn and holly. Website 3. Ty Canol National Nature Reserve, Cardigan This enchanting reserve is covered in ancient oak trees, and rocky outcrops surrounded by wood pasture which as been grazed by cattle, sheep, and ponies for centuries. This open type of woodland means that lichen thrive in this area, because the woodland plants that would have prevent lichen from growing have been grazed. You can also walk to the mystical Pentre Ifan burial chamber from here. Website 4. Llys-y-Fran Reservoir The reservoir and surrounding habitats form part of the Cleddau Rivers special area of conservation and the mix of farmland, woodland, scrub and waterside make it an area rich in a variety of wildlife. You'll find badgers, foxes, otters, and polecats among the woods and forest floor. There is a circular footpath of about 6.5 miles around the reservoir, which includes a self-guided nature trail, and a variety of other land and water based activities on offer. Website |