SN494004

Description and habitats

A shallow artificial lake on the site of a former steelworks, Sandy Water Park has become an interesting place for birding. Because of its proximity to Llanelli beach and the Burry estuary, seabirds often take refuge there during storms.

Directions

Signposted off the B4034, Llanelli Coast Road. A pay-and-display car park is provided. Bus service from Llanelli to the Sandpiper roundabout.

Facilities for visitors

There is an inn on the site. The Millennium Park Visitors Centre, at Llanelli beach has toilets and a café. The site has good access for disabled people.

Tips for birding the site

The site is of greatest interest during or after storms at sea and also during tern passage. It offers close views of gulls and ducks at all times. Gull numbers are highest and rare gulls most likely to be found when the birds are displaced from Llanelli beach at high tide. There is a footpath round the lake.

Best seasons

Autumn to spring

Regular birds

Hirundines on spring passage. During autumn and winter, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Goldeneye, all common Gull species including Mediterranean Gull.

Scarce and rare birds

Black-necked Grebe, Ruddy Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Grey Phalarope, Little Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Laughing Gull, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern. Carmarthenshire’s first Alpine Swift was seen near here in April 1998.