Nantporth Nature Reserve

Nantporth Nature Reserve

Nantporth Nature Reserve © NWWT Chris Wynne

Wood anemone

Wood anemone © Bruce Shortland

A nuthatch, a small bird with yellow belly and grey wings, and a distinctive black eye stripe. Stood on a broken piece of wood that is dark from recent rain and growing vegetation. The nuthatch is facing left but with it's head turned slightly forward so it appears to be looking directly into the camera.

Nuthatch © Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Nantporth Nature Reserve

Nantporth Nature Reserve_Chris Wynne

Jay

Jay - Mark Hamblin 2020Vision

Coastal waders and woodland birds await you in this lovely strip of woodland overlooking the world-famous Menai Strait.

Location

Bangor
LL57 2BN (northern entrance)

OS Map Reference

SH573725 for northern entrance
SH566720 for southern entrance
OS Explorer Map OL17
A static map of Nantporth Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
8 hectares
z

Entry fee

No
P

Parking information

Parking is very limited near the northern end of the reserve on Gorad Rd or Hwfa Rd (LL57 2BN); there is no parking at the southern end

Grazing animals

No

Walking trails

The Wales Coastal Path passes through the reserve and can be accessed from the northern and southern ends of the reserve.  

Access

Paths through the wood are narrow, steep with numerous steps and may be difficult in wet weather. The adjacent shore is not part of the nature reserve; please be aware of tidal conditions if visiting this area.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Spring/summer for birds and flowers

About the reserve

Follow the Wales Coast Path under the airy canopy of this coastal ash woodland, which also contains rare whitebeam trees, oak, birch and aspen.  In spring, the dappled sunlight illuminates the whites and yellows of wood anemones and primroses on the woodland floor, racing to flower before the trees fully awaken and cast them into shade.  The varied canopy of the site creates the perfect habitat for an array of woodland birds; listen out for the melodic song of the blackcap and the high-pitched calls of the beautiful greyand-orange nuthatch. These typical woodland sounds are punctuated by the sharp ‘kleep’ cry of passing oystercatchers and the repetitive call of the redshank, as they make their way along the shores of the Menai Strait.
Natural woodland regeneration is the aim here. The Wildlife Trust undertake very limited coppicing to make the woodland as diverse as possible, leaving dead wood to benefit invertebrates.
 

Did you know?

Nantporth was once a limestone quarry. The Wales Coast Path follows the undulations of the former spoil heaps and the old workings can still be seen if you look carefully amongst the ferns and mosses.

Directions

If travelling by car use the northern entrance. Turn off the A5 at the edge of Upper Bangor onto Siliwen Road, before taking Evelyn or Gorad Roads on the Left. Park on or around Hwfa Road (SH 575 724) and follow Gorad Road on foot toward the Menai Strait. The Wales Coast Path leads you into the reserve itself (SH 573 725). The southerly entrance can be reached via the Wales Coast Path adjacent to Bangor City Football ground.

Contact us

Chris Wynne
Contact number: 01248 351541

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Trees at Nantporth Nature Reserve

© NWWT

Reserve guide and map

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A group of around 30 people dotted across a cliffside, some with chairs and picnic blankets, all facing out towards a calm deep blue sea to watch for porpoise. The sky is bright blue with a few wispy clouds and the sun is shining behind the camera.

Picnic with a porpoise events Bull Bay

Conservation volunteering

Volunteering

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