SN398063

The Gwendraeth estuary is part of the Carmarthen Bay Special Area of Conservation.

Description and habitats

Excellent views of the upper Gwendraeth estuary are possible from Kidwelly Quay. The sewage treatment works and its surrounding trees and scrub are nearby. The path alongside the canal gives views of a freshwater pond and marsh.

Directions

From Bridge Street in the centre of Kidwelly take the turning opposite the church and follow the road to the rail station. Cross the railway and keep right where the road forks. There is ample free parking at the quay. There are frequent bus services to Kidwelly from Llanelli, Swansea and Carmarthen (X11/X12). The quay is accessible from Kidwelly rail station.

Facilities for visitors

There is a picnic site at the quay and toilets on Bridge Street. The quay and some of the paths off it are suitable for access by disabled birders.

Tips for birding the site

Waders, ducks and grebes on the upper part of the Gwendraeth estuary can be viewed from the quay. Waders also use the muddy river banks upstream of the quay. Visits should be timed to take account of tidal conditions. Most birds move down the estuary and out of sight within 3 hours of low tide. For 1 hour either side of high water on spring tides, birds tend to be out of view in the saltmarsh creeks. The sewage treatment works has open filter beds which attract birds and which can be viewed from several points around the periphery of the site. For a longer walk, follow the path beside the canal. There are views of a fresh-water pond and marsh on the left side. At the end of the canal, cross the stile, turn right and follow the path to the top of a raised bank. Turn right again and walk along the top of the bank with views of the marsh and the mudflats at the mouth of the Gwendraeth Fawr. This path leads back to Kidwelly Quay.

Best seasons

All times of year

Regular birds

Breeding passerines in the thickets close to the canal include Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Cetti’s Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler. In autumn or winter, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, Peregrine, Barn Owl, Pintail, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper Common Sandpiper, Greenshank., Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Snipe, Curlew, Kingfisher Redwing, Fieldfare. Shelduck numbers increase towards the end of winter and some stay to breed. Reed Bunting, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Goldcrest around the sewage works. Kingfisher and Water Rail on the canal.

Scarce and rare birds

Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank. A Lesser Yellowlegs occurred in here in November 1990. In winter, Hen Harrier hunt over the saltmarsh and Marsh Harrier, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Little Owl, Firecrest, Black Redstart have been recorded.