SN31-11-

The Taf estuary is part of the Carmarthen Bay Special Area of Conservation and is an SSSI

Description and habitats

Tidal estuary has extensive sandbanks which, at low tide, are used as feeding and roosting areas by ducks, plovers and waders. Grassland on the east side of the estuary is used by geese and ducks. There is a large saltmarsh (Lower Marsh) on the west side of the outer estuary. Sir John’s Hill and the shore north of Laugharne and are wooded.

Directions

Exit from the A40 west of Carmarthen onto the A4066 Pendine Road. There is a large free car park below Laugharne Castle.

Facilities for visitors

Laugharne has shops, cafes and toilets. The paved path along the shore north from the car park is suitable for wheelchairs.

Tips for birding the site

To view the inner estuary, take the paved path which starts below the castle and continue up steps to a higher path which leads through a wood and over a stile into fields at the top of the estuary. Although views of the inner estuary are obscured in places by trees, there are several points from which observation is possible; from the path below the castle; from the jetty which can be reached by taking the tarmac road which intersects with the woodland path; from the north end of the first grass field. Geese and ducks which frequent the east shore can be watched through a telescope. For a panoramic view of the outer estuary, follow the shore path south from the car park then take the path on the right which climbs steeply through woodland to the shoulder of Sir John’s Hill from where Lower Marsh and the outer parts of the estuary can be observed. By looking down from Sir John’s Hill, ducks and waders can be seen in the pills of Lower Marsh.

Best seasons

Most interesting between autumn and spring.

Regular birds

In winter, at low tide, large flocks of Wigeon, Lapwing and Golden Plover roost on sandbanks at the upper part of the estuary. Greylag, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Curlew, Dunlin and Redshank are to be found. Greenshank, Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit winter regularly in small numbers. Goldcrest and flocks of  tits and finches in the woods.

Scarce and rare birds

White-fronted Geese, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs. In winter, Black Redstart may be found on the shore below the castle.