Stackpole National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The Stackpole NNR is one of Wales’ top wildlife sites with a wide range of habitats, ranging from man-made, water-lily filled freshwater lakes to woodland, cliffs and sand dunes. The shallow Bosherston lakes were created during the 18th and 19th centuries by damming a limestone river valley. They are perhaps best known for their host of beautiful white water lilies in summer, but they are also home to other aquatic plants including the bristly and other stoneworts. The lakes are home to many species of insects, and more 20 types of dragonflies have been recorded here during the summer. In winter, wildfowl visit the lakes, but all year grey herons can be seen and otters are resident in and around the lake margins. Most of the lakeside is clothed with mixed woodland, which is home to a number of bats including the lesser and greater horseshoe bats. The coastal part of the Stackpole Estate includes the sandy beaches of Broadhaven and Barafundle Bay. Here you may see choughs, razorbills and guillemots.

Location

Stackpole

About the area

Wales meets the Atlantic Ocean in spectacular fashion at Pembrokeshire. Unlike the West Country, Pembrokeshire can offer the coast without the crowds, and quaint fishing villages without those huge coach parks.