SN465012

Description and habitats

Although much of the Millennium Coast Park is open land, the section between Pwll and Ashpits pond has a number of habitats which are of ornithological interest. These include Ffordd y Wagen which is part of an old tramway running beside an overgrown drainage channel. Its sheltered position, plentiful cover and the availability of water make it a favoured site for birds and butterflies. The park also has several shallow lakes and fishing lakes, areas of reedbed and carr, young woodland and semi-natural grassland which is managed for birds.

Directions

There is a free car park at the Recreation Ground (SN472010) which is close to the A484. Proceeding from Llanelli, just past the Pwll fishing lakes, turn into Tramway Road on your left. If travelling from Carmarthen, Tramway Road is just after the Talbot Inn. The Llanelli to Carmarthen (X11/X12) bus service passes the Talbot Inn.

Facilities for visitors

Refreshments and toilets at the Pavilion Cafe and at the Talbot Inn. Both are close to the Recreation Ground. While much of the Millennium Coast Park is suitable for disabled people, the areas which are described here are not accessible by wheelchair.

Tips for birding the site

Cross the stile at the west end of the Recreation Ground car park. This is the start of Ffordd y Wagen. In spring and summer, the area has a variety of warblers including Cetti’s Warbler, finches, tits and other woodland birds. The path ends at Ashpits Pond which was created as a fly-ash lagoon for the former power station and is now a reed-fringed lake supporting a variety of ducks and grebes. Turn left, follow the track around Ashpits pond and continue to the east end of the Mallard Fishing Lake. From here,  paths lead into the woodland on the north side of Ashpits Pond and back to the Recreation Ground. It is a short walk from the recreation ground to Pwll fishing lakes where there are areas of reed bed and open water..

Best seasons

All year

Regular birds

Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Skylark, Cetti’s Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting all breed. Redpoll and Siskin are regular in winter.

Scarce and rare birds

Long-tailed Duck, Goosander, Black-necked Grebe, Water Rail, Jack Snipe.