Kenfig National Nature Reserve
Kenfig National Nature Reserve is situated approximately 3 miles North of Porthcawl on the Bristol Channel coast and about 2 miles South
of Margam and Port Talbot. See Location for directions.
Latest News:Nature Reserve Centre
Refurbishment and an extension to the reserve centre are now complete and the centre is now open to the general public.
The new reserve centre has been re-designed with the environment in mind. The design observes the principles of
carbon emission reduction with energy and water saving - a green roof structure including rainwater harvesting, a ground-
sourced heat pump, solar panels with all materials used being environmentally friendly. There are separate exhibition
and teaching rooms planned together with more office space for staff as well as improved storage space.
Demolition of Bus Stop / Toilets
The bus stop and toilets at the entrance to the reserve centre were being demolished (June 2007). Toliet facilities
are now located within the reserve centre itself - these include disabled toilet facilities as well.
Official Opening of Reserve CentreTV Wildlife Presenter Iolo Williams officially opened the New Kenfig National Nature Reserve Centre on
Monday 03 September 2007.
The actual event was held at the centre by invitation only at 2:30 pm and lasted for around 40 minutes. Kenfig.org
was able to capture the event of officially cutting the ribbon and declaring the new centre officially open by Iolo Williams.
The event was attended by the Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency representatives, The Mayor of Bridgend
County Borough Council, local County Borough Councillors, The Kenfig Corporation Trust, Kenfig Society and other various
individuals associated with the centre's design and construction.
Photos of Official OpeningRefurbishment nearing completion
Photos: Kenfig.org
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
Situated at Kenfig Pool, Glamorgan's largest natural lake, Kenfig National Nature Reserve is
on land owned by Trustees of the Kenfig Corporation Property which is leased & managed
by Bridgend County Borough Council.
Kenfig NNR is one of the finest wildlife habitats in Wales and is also one of the last remnants of a huge dune system
that once stretched along the coastline of southern Wales from the Ogmore River to the Gower peninsular. Kenfig NNR
is home to a wide variety of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including the Fen Orchid. The dune system
makes up part of the largest active sand dune system in europe. Kenfig NNR is a favourite refuge for wildfoul all year round
and is one of the few places in the UK where the bittern can be seen during the winter - the area is a very popular place
with birdwatchers.
The area is managed to ensure the dunes don't become overcome by dense grassland and scrub woodland which would
result in the loss of much of the important and diverse wildlife. The reserve is managed so that the delicate balance
of habitats is maintained and visitors can freely wander the area without harming any of the reserve and its features.
Disabled access is encouraged yet access to the dune systems is difficult for wheelchair users.
Kenfig NNR (includes the area of sand dunes and Kenfig Pool) are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Geographic Coordinates:
51°31´ N 03°43´ W
Information Centre
Provides hands-on exhibition for children of all ages and a shop providing books, leaflets and gifts. Outside
the centre there is a boardwalk around The Kenfig Well and part of the way towards Kenfig Pool.
There are two bird hides located on opposite sides of the pool and wardens are often on site to anwser queries etc.
Talks, slide shows and guided walks for organised groups are catered for. Local Rambler associations often frequent the area.
The Information Centre is managed by Bridgend County Borough Council.
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Programme of Events 2008 at Kenfig NNR
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In association with the Management at Kenfig National Nature Reserve, Kenfig.org Local Community Group is able
to provide details of the programme of events at the Reserve Centre throughout 2008.
Kenfig National Reserve Centre
Ton Kenfig
Bridgend
CF33 4PT
For more information please telephone 01656 743386
3rd Saturday of every month
Birding for BeginnersWalks with the warden, in association with Glamorgan Bird Club. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 9am - 12pm
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April 2008
| Saturday 12 | Kenfig Dog Walkers Spring Quiz on the Green | ![]() |
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Come along and join us for a brief light-hearted quiz. Dog-friendly prizes for the winners.
Depending on the weather we will either be outside on the green or inside the Exhibition Hall. All welcome. 10am - 10.30am |
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| Sunday 13 | Signs of Spring | ||||
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Enjoy a guided walk with the warden to see the beginning of Kenfig's Spring flora.
Approx.2 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm |
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May 2008
| Sunday 04 | Family Bird Watch from The Arthur Morgan Bird Hide | ![]() |
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Drop in briefly or join us for as long as you like in the bird hide. No experience needed.
Equipment provided. Spring time Bird Watch. Route signposted from the Reserve Centre. 10am - 1pm |
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| Saturday 10 | Dried Willow Workshop - learn the ancient art of willow weaving | ||||
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A one day hands-on course learning to make willow structures to take home for your garden, includes obelisks,
wigwams and willow borders. Full tuition and all materials provided. Cost £40.00 per person. For more details or to book a place contact 'Out to Learn Willow' on 01656 880514 / 881007 Reserve Centre. 10am - 4pm |
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| Sunday 11 | Wildflowers of the Dunes | ||||
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Join the warden on a glorious walk dipping into Kenfig's floral treasure chest. We will see Green-winged
and Early Purple Orchids depending on the flowering times. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm |
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| Tuesday 20 | Green Day at Kenfig - part of Adult Learners Week | ||||
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Join the warden on a three mile guided walk measuring environmental changes by carrying out simple biological
investigations.
Booking EssentialMeet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 2pm |
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June 2008
| Sunday 08 | Magnificent Moths | ![]() |
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Following on from National Moth Night, Britain's celebration of moths and moth recording, join us for the exciting
opening of the moth trap. Help identify and release the catch. Reserve Centre. 10am - 11am
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| Saturday 15 | Discovery Day at Kenfig (Part of Biodiversity Week) | ||||
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A day of wildlife events and activities suitable for all the family
FREE ENTRY 12pm - 4pm |
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| Sunday 22 | Wild Orchids of Kenfig | ||||
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Enjoy the beauty of these rare flowers. We hope to see some of the following orchids depending on the
flowering times: Bee, Twayblade, Early Marsh, Southern Marsh, Pyramidal, Fragrant, Marsh Helleborine
and Fen Orchids. Approx. 3 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm
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July 2008
| Saturday 12 | Wild Orchids of Kenfig | ![]() |
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Enjoy the beauty of these rare flowers. We hope to see some of the following orchids depending on the
flowering times: Bee, Twayblade, Early Marsh, Southern Marsh, Pyramidal, Fragrant, Marsh Helleborine
and Fen Orchids. Approx. 3 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm
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| Mon, Tues & Wed 21, 22, & 23 | Dune Trekkers | ||||
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Environmental play scheme for 8-12 year olds. Attend one, two or all three days.
Booking is essential.Meet at the Reserve Centre. Cost £6.00 per day. 10.30am - 3.30pm |
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| Sunday 26 | Wild Orchids of Kenfig | ||||
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Enjoy the beauty of these rare flowers. We hope to see some of the following orchids depending on the
flowering times: Bee, Twayblade, Early Marsh, Southern Marsh, Pyramidal, Fragrant, Marsh Helleborine
and Fen Orchids. Approx. 3 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 12pm
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| Wednesday 30 | The 'Kenfig Klub' | ||||
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Come along to each of the 4 week sessions to take part in outdoor activities. For 8-12 year olds
(bring a packed lunch)
Booking is essentialMeet at the Reserve Centre. Cost £3.00 per day. 10am - 1pm |
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August 2008
| Wednesday 06 | The 'Kenfig Klub' | ![]() |
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Come along to each of the 4 week sessions to take part in outdoor activities. For 8-12 year olds
(bring a packed lunch)
Booking is essentialMeet at the Reserve Centre. Cost £3.00 per day. 10am - 1pm |
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| Saturday 09 | A Walk on the Wild Side | ||||
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Guided nature walk with naturist Jeff Curtis, Voluntary Warden. 2 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 1pm - 4pm
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| Wednesday 13 | The 'Kenfig Klub' | ||||
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Come along to each of the 4 week sessions to take part in outdoor activities. For 8-12 year olds
(bring a packed lunch)
Booking is essentialMeet at the Reserve Centre. Cost £3.00 per day. 10am - 1pm |
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| Wednesday 20 | The 'Kenfig Klub' | ||||
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Come along to each of the 4 week sessions to take part in outdoor activities. For 8-12 year olds
(bring a packed lunch)
Booking is essentialMeet at the Reserve Centre. Cost £3.00 per day. 10am - 1pm |
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September 2008
| Monday 22 | Beachwatch (Part of National 'Beachwatch', the Coastal Environmental Initiative organised by the Marine Conservation Society | ![]() |
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Help clear litter and survey Sker Beach. The walk to the beach is about 1 mile. Stout footwear is recommended.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please register in advance with the Wardens.Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 1pm
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| Saturday 27 | Dried Willow Workshop - learn the ancient art of willow weaving | ||||
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A one day hands-on course learning to make willow structures to take with you for your garden and home, including
a giant sunflower, a snail and a butterfly or dragonfly. Full tuition and all materials provided. Cost £40.00 per person.
For more details or to book a place contact 'Out to Learn Willow' on 01656 880514 / 881007
Reserve Centre. 10am - 4pm
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October 2008
| Sunday 05 | Family Bird Watch from The Arthur Morgan Bird Hide | ![]() |
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Drop in briefly or join us for as long as you like in the bird hide. No experience needed. Equipment provided. Bring a flask
and warm clothes. A chance to see late migrating birds and early winter visitors. Route signposted from the Reserve Centre.
10am - 1pm
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| Saturday 25 | Wild about Art | ||||
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Autumn art workshop for children. Create your own artwork to take home. All materials provided.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is essential.Reserve Centre. Cost £2.50 10am - 11am |
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| Wednesday 29 | Warden for a Day | ||||
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Quiet countryside experience for 8-12 year olds.
Booking is essentialMeet at the Reserve Centre. Cost £6.00 11am - 3pm |
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November 2008
| Sunday 09 | Winter Ramble | ![]() |
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A leisurely hike with the warden to the remote parts of the reserve. Bring lunch, a flask, strong footwear,
waterproofs and warm clothes. Approx 6 miles. Meet at the Reserve Centre. 10am - 2pm
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| Sunday 23 | Dried Willow Workshop - Christmas Decorations | ||||
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A one day hands-on course to make willow decorations for your Christmas tree and home including
wreaths, stars, chains and trees. Full tuition and all materials provided. Cost £40.00 per person.
For more details or to book a place contact 'Out to Learn Willow' on 01656 880514 / 881007
Reserve Centre. 10am - 4pm
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| Saturday 29 | Kenfig Dog Walkers Christmas Quiz on the Green | ||||
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Come along and join us for a brief light-hearted quiz with a seasonal theme. Dog-friendly prizes for the winners.
Depending on the weather we will either be outside on the Green or inside in the Exhibition Hall. All welcome.
10am - 10.30am
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| Saturday 29 | Christmas Crafts Workshop for Children | ||||
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Join us in making Christmas cards and decorations with a traditional theme to take home. All materials provided.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is essential.Cost £2.50 2pm - 3.30pm |
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| Sunday 30 | Christmas Festive Hat Parade | ||||
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Join the wardens in the Reserve Centre for our annual Christmas Hat Pararde and quiz. Share the fruits of your
creative talents on the jolly family event. Prizes awarded! Reserve Centre. 11am - 12.30pm
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Related Website Links
Kenfig National Nature Reserve Information |
[ kenfig.org is not responsible for the content on any external website]
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Acknowledgements
Documents/Publications |
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Reference |
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