SN631333

The lakes are a nature reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Description and habitats

There are few sizable shallow water bodies in Carmarthenshire so Talley lakes are significant for the county. Talley woods are an interesting mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. Unusually, the coniferous woods are fairly open, often with a deciduous under-storey. There are blocks of woodland, deciduous and coniferous, at various stags of maturity.

Directions

Leave Llandeilo on the A40 in the direction of Llandovery. Half-a-mile north of Llandeilo turn left onto the B4302 and follow this road to Talley. There are small car parks at Talley Abbey and at the start of the forest walk about 100 yards (100 m) further along the road.

Facilities for visitors

Public toilets at the start of the forest walk. There is a pub in Talley village. Picnic sites on the forest walk. The lakes and woods are not accessible by disabled birders.

Tips for birding the sites

Follow the path through the churchyard and along the shore of the south lake. Head towards the north lake and go through the gate into wet woodland. A boardwalk leads to a hide which has views over the north lake and its reedbeds.

Talley woods are on the opposite side of the road from the lakes and have a variety of trail-marked walks.

Best seasons

All year

Regular birds

In autumn and winter - Mute Swan, Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Teal, Goosander, Water Rail, Buzzard, Red Kite, Raven. In summer and spring, Mute Swan, Greylag, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Swift, Pied Flycatcher, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Wood Warbler, Redstart, Treecreeper

Scarce and rare birds

Willow Tit, Marsh Tit and, in winter, Whooper Swan, Scaup, Smew.