From Llangefni take the A5114 south, crossing the A55 Expressway then turning immediately left onto the A5. In a mile or so, just before reaching Pentre Berw, turn right on the minor road to the entrance and car park for Cors Ddyga RSPB nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
A striking contrast to the coast (which, let’s be honest, commands the lion’s share of attention in Anglesey), it’s one of the best places in the UK for wildlife. The reserve is part of Wales’s largest lowland wetland – perhaps better known as Malltraeth Marsh – an eerie expanse of reedbeds, marsh, wet grasslands, ditches and small lakes.
Interpretation boards and walking routes lead you into this special place. Bring binoculars and you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of a teeming birdlife.
Star species include lapwing (one of Wales’s largest colonies), shoveler, skylark and marsh harrier (one of their few habitats in Wales). But possibly the most interesting of all is the bittern, a secretive bird with a booming call once commonplace in other parts of Anglesey. The roll-call of species goes on and on. Others include snipe, black-tailed godwit, curlew and warbler.
Cors Ddyga is also a haven for over 30 species of scarce wetland plants (come in spring for the spectacular display of wetland flowers), dragonflies, water beetles, otters and water voles. There’s interest here throughout the year, even in winter when the wetlands fill with wildfowl.
From the reserve, return to the A5 turning right for Gaerwen and something completely different. Gaerwen is home to Menai Science Park or M-SParc, an inspiring innovation, business and science centre that’s the focus of forward-looking enterprise on the island. Its credo captures the place well: ‘Together we grow and inspire, Menai Science Park is a space where the energy is present from the moment you step into the building.’
Take a look inside Wales’s first science park – all are welcome to come and sit with a laptop, use the wifi and grab a coffee or tasty snack/lunch at Caffi Tanio.
