SN419025

Ffrwd Fen is a nature reserve which is owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Description and habitats

This extensive area of wetland has reedbed and fen and is wooded in drier areas.

Directions

Park in the large lay by on the A484 just west of Pembrey village. Walk about 200 yards (200 m) further along the A484 to a crossroads and turn right to reach the site. The Llanelli to Kidwelly bus service (X11/X12) passes the site and there is a convenient bus stop. Old railway lines in the road surface mark the start of a path through the reserve following the track of the old Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway. A little further on there is a kissing gate and a sign “Mountain walks” this is the start of a second path which runs along the north border of the reserve.

Facilities for visitors

The reserve has no visitor facilities and is not accessible by disabled people. There is a pub on the A484 south of the reserve.

Tips for birding the site

The best plan is to follow each of the paths in turn and return along the same routes. An alternative is to follow the railway track path as far as the bridge, scramble up to the road and turn left. Continue along the road and just before reaching a garden centre, look for a kissing gate on your left. This is the end of the second path which leads back to your starting point. However, there is little to be seen from the road and it seems rather dangerous for walking on. The reserve supports a range of breeding warblers many of which are more easily located by sound than sight. It holds one of the county’s largest populations of Cetti’s Warbler.

Best seasons

Spring and early summer.

Regular birds

Cuckoo, Cetti’s Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat. In winter, Redwing, Fieldfare.

Scarce and rare birds

Spotted Crake, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, Firecrest, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit.