SN365105

The Tywi estuary is part of the Carmarthen Bay Special Area of Conservation

Description and habitats

The sand and mud banks of the Tywi estuary and the saltmarsh (Morfa-uchaf) north of Ferryside are important winter feeding areas for ducks and waders.

Directions

There is a large free car park in Ferryside opposite the railway station. A railway level crossing leads onto the shore of the estuary. Some trains between Llanelli and Carmarthen make a scheduled stop at Ferryside. Others stop on request. There is a bus service from Carmarthen. It is also possible to view the estuary from Llansteffan on its west shore but this side is more subject to disturbance.

Facilities for visitors

There is a shop, cafe and public toilets near the car park. Disabled birders can access several viewpoints close to the sailing club.

Tips for birding the site

View the lower part of the estuary from near the sailing club and from the beach. From the path which leads north along the shore, there are good views of the upper estuary and Morfa-uchaf. The upper estuary is narrow enough to allow telescope views of the birds on the Llansteffan side. At low tide it is possible to walk further upstream on the shore but care should be taken to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide. Morfa-uchaf can be reached from a minor road north of Ferryside at SN371118.

Best seasons

Autumn to Spring.

Regular birds

Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck, Teal, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Red-breasted Merganser, large gull flocks mainly Black-headed Gull and Common Gull, Sandwich Tern

Scarce and rare birds

Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Avocet, Little Stint, Little Gull, Black Tern, Black Redstart. The first county record of Black-winged Stilt in September 2006.The first Welsh record of Glaucous-winged Gull in March 2007.