The Wild West: Anglesey’s top naturewatch spots
From Atlantic grey seals to cute puffins and rare red squirrels, it’s worth pulling yourself away from the island’s stunning beaches for a few hours to get a glimpse of the wonderful wildlife on Anglesey.
This small but spectacular island off the north-west coast of Wales has the most beautiful and intriguing natural landscape. Whether you’re looking for new wildlife to explore or enjoy trekking through some of Britain’s most cherished coastal scenery, you can discover the joys of our natural world right here!
The Isle of Anglesey boasts over 100 miles of coastline with rugged cliffs, dunes, beaches, varied wildlife and flora, country walks, and more.
Squirrelling around on Anglesey
Red squirrels love the Isle of Anglesey, but they are significantly less common to see than their grey counterparts, so catching sight of these little furry creatures is truly captivating.
One of the top places to spot red squirrels on Anglesey is in the forested area of Newborough on the southeast coast of the island. They also inhabit the woodland at Pentraeth on the northeast coast and the wooded areas on the east coast along the banks of the Menai.
Bird watching holidays on Anglesey
If you’re an avid bird watcher or just starting out as a twitcher, the diversity of birds on Anglesey makes it worth a visit any time of the year. From residents like black guillemots and the rare chough to seasonal species, such as the bustling seabird colonies which populate the coast during the early summer, autumn returning migrants, and wintering waders and wildfowl.
One of the top sites for birdwatching on Anglesey is South Stack Cliffs on Holy Island, a beautiful reserve set against a spectacular stretch of dramatic sea cliffs. You’ll get to see a multitude of seabirds, including Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common guillemots, kittiwakes, and other gulls, and the reserve’s other main attractions are the red-billed chough and the peregrine falcon.
The Valley Wetlands, situated right beside RAF Valley, is a wonderful nature reserve where you’ll see wildfowl all year round. Keep an eye out for tufted ducks, pochards, shovelers, gadwalls, and little grebes on the lake among the reeds.
Home to the only breeding sandwich terns in Wales, Cemlyn Bay, on Anglesey’s northwestern shore, is definitely worth a visit. A breathtakingly unique setting, it has a large lagoon separated from the sea by a naturally formed shingle bank.
There are various bird species that live here all year, as well as some migratory species that stop through. And it’s the only nesting colony of sandwich terns in Wales, making it a spectacular wildlife display not to be missed!
The months of May through July are perfect for visiting since the lagoon’s islands are home to nesting colonies of sandwich, Arctic, and common terns.
Meet the puffins!
The unspoilt sanctuary of Puffin Island, just off Anglesey, is a birdwatcher’s paradise that can be enjoyed by sailing around the island or at a distance from the mainland.
Home to one of the largest colonies of great cormorants in the British Isles and one of the UK´s most endangered seabirds, the herring gull.
Among the other birds commonly seen on the island are the eider, fulmar, and black guillemot. Common guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and, of course, puffins can all be seen during the main season, from April to August.
Not Navy Seals… Grey Seals!
Puffin Island is a well-known hot spot and breeding ground for seals. The rocky coastline and remote location make it an ideal home for Atlantic grey seals, a well-known hot spot and breeding ground for the seals.
Trwyn Cemlyn, the small headland west of the bay, is another top place to spot grey seals on Anglesey.
There are a number of other locations around the island where you can spot the seals lazing around on the rocks and beaches and they can also be seen in close proximity to their habitat from any point along the Anglesey Coastal Walk.
Wild Ponies at Heart
Newborough Warren, at the southwestern corner of Anglesey, is a great spot to visit if you love walking and appreciate the natural scenery. It’s also one of the best places to see wild ponies on Anglesey.
There are numerous well-marked trails through the sand dunes, and you’ll get to say hello to the friendly ponies which graze there.
The remote tidal island of Llanddwyn is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Europe and another idyllic spot to observe the wild ponies in their natural habitat.
The island can only be accessed on foot through the dunes of Newborough Warren or take the path through Newborough Forest, which is a magical walk with spectacular views.
Be observant of tide times when you cross over as for a couple of hours during high tide, it’s impossible to get back across to Anglesey.
The Anglesey Coastal Path
The Anglesey Coastal Path, with its dramatic, rugged coastline and plentiful wildlife, is a long-distance footpath around the island. You’ll see everything from peregrine falcons to terns, porpoises to seals, springtime wildflowers and much more.
Anglesey boasts some of the most spectacular coastline routes in the UK for walking and exploring nature. Some of the best wildlife walks on Anglesey include The Holyhead Mountain Circular, The Red Wharf Bay, and Newborough and Ynys Llanddwyn Circular.
Unparalleled natural beauty, stunning beaches, a warm Welsh welcome, AND an abundance of amazing wildlife to study. Anglesey delivers on all levels.
At Anglesey Holiday Lettings we have holiday homes all over the island, from charming countryside cottages where you’ll be surrounded by birds and nature, to surfer’s apartments in Rhosneigr and stunning beachside residences, where you might spot a seal from your bedroom window!
Enjoy all Anglesey has to offer and book your next holiday with us!