Name: Parc Slip Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
Rating: 5.0

Parc Slip Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre

The Nature Centre, Fountain Road, Aberkenfig, Bridgend CF32 0EH, United Kingdom

1-90 Years

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Description

Parc Slip Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre is a 300 acre nature reserve located in a valley between the Ogmore and Afon Kenfig catchments in Wales. Once shaped by mining activity, the site has been restored into a rich natural landscape with diverse habitats. Today, it offers a mix of wildlife, heritage and outdoor recreation in a peaceful environment.

Visitors can explore a variety of habitats including wildflower meadows, ponds, reedbeds, woodland, wetlands and open water areas. Activities include walking over 10km of tracks, wildlife watching from four bird hides, cycling along a 4km stretch of Sustrans National Cycle Route 4, and observing species such as great crested newts, lapwing, harvest mouse and numerous birds, dragonflies and orchids. The site also features a Visitor Centre, coffee shop, and opportunities to relax while viewing wildlife.

Entry and parking are free, though donations to the Wildlife Trust are encouraged.

Overall, Parc Slip Nature Reserve offers a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for families, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts. With its wide range of habitats, scenic trails and opportunities to observe rare species, it provides both relaxation and exploration. It is an ideal place to discover nature, enjoy peaceful surroundings and learn about environmental restoration.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Parc Slip Nature lies in a valley bottom on the watershed between the Ogmore and Afon Kenfig catchments, and has had a history of mining from the nineteenth century to the present day.
Restoration of the landform from colliery coal tips and opencast mining had been completed by the mid 1980s, and a five-year plan was undertaken to enhance natural succession and recreate semi-natural habitats, such as wildflower meadows, ponds, reedbeds, a wader scrape, and broadleaved woodland.
The Park is made up of broadleaved and coniferous plantations, improved grassland, and four flower rich fields, which are being managed as pasture. These grassland areas provide feeding and roosting habitat for Snipe in winter, and nesting sites for Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, and Skylark in summer.
There are four bird hides, overlooking three wetland sites, a wader scrape, a small lake with an island, and Park Pond. A further three wetlands and open water areas add further interest.The wader scrapes which were added in 2013 have attracted a wide range of wildlife which can be observed from the Mary Gillham raised hide.
Mute Swan, Mallard and Tufted Duck breed within the Park, and Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Pochard, Red-breasted Merganser and Water Rail are seen in winter. Twenty species of dragonfly have been recorded, including the Emperor, Four Spot Chaser, and the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly.
During the summer, the fields near to the Visitor Centre are ablaze with colour as oxeye daisy, ragged robin, orchids, fleabane, red bartsia and numerous other beautiful wildflowers come into bloom. The site supports seven species of orchid, including Bee, Common Spotted, Southern Marsh, Twayblade and Broad-leaved Helleborine.
After you’ve taken in the wildlife out on the reserve, report your sightings to our friendly staff in the Visitor Centre and relax with a cup of tea in the Coffee Shop overlooking the dipping ponds and wildflower meadows. Wildlife watching from the comfort of an armchair!

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.
Food & Drinks: We are delighted to work in partnership with Karrie's Coffee Co who are serving delicious coffee, soft drinks, hot and cold food, and mouth watering cakes! Pop along to say hi to Ben and the Team!
Toilets: The Visitor Centre has toilet facilities and an accessible toilet.

What to see

Parc Slip: The 300 acre Parc Slip Nature Reserve has something for everyone. In 2019 the reserve was named as a Discovery Gateway site for the Valleys Regional Park project. As a Gateway Site, Parc Slip is one of the places where you can first discover the cultural, industrial and environmental heritage of the valleys. As this is a nature reserve we ask that all dog walkers keep their dogs on a lead at all times.
Walk on the WILD side: Parc Slip is home to a variety of different habitat types supporting many different species for wildlife enthusiast, a safe area for families to discover and enjoy nature, well -maintained traffic-free cycle tracks, including a 4km stretch of Sustrans National Cycle Route 4 for cyclists and over 10km of tracks for dog walking.
Wildlife: Parc Slip Nature Reserve is home to some of Wales’ rarest and most precious wildlife, from the endangered great crested newt that breeds in the ponds and lakes, to the elusive harvest mouse and charismatic lapwing found in the wildflower meadows, which are themselves alive with orchids, ragged robin and buttercups.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Nature Reserve: Open daily, 24 hours
Visitor Centre & Cafe: Open 7 days a week, 10am - 4pm

Address: The Nature Centre, Fountain Road, Aberkenfig, Bridgend CF32 0EH, United Kingdom

Post Code: CF32 0EH

Council: Bridgend

County: Glamorgan and Cardif

From Junction 36 of the M4, at the roundabout take the exit onto the A4063 towards Maesteg. Go through two sets of traffic lights, then at the roundabout, take the second exit onto the B4281 (signposted Aberkenfig and Pyle), following the brown duck tourist sign for Parc Slip.
After approximately one mile, turn right at the Fountain Restaurant onto Fountain Road, still following the brown duck signs. Parc Slip Nature Reserve and Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre is on your left after approximately half a mile.