Location :: 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.

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.

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.

TV 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: Kenfig.org

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

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.