Oxwich National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Oxwich NNR on the Gower Peninsula is a windswept area of dunes, saltwater marshes and freshwater pools. It is an important habitat for many species of flora and fauna, and is a great place to see wild orchids, including the bee, common twayblade, early and southern marsh orchids and pyramidal, in late May and June. Between the nature reserve and the surrounding limestone woodlands – mainly of ash, sycamore, pedunculate oak, small-leaved lime and spindle – more than 600 species of plants have been recorded. The birdlife at Oxwich is impressive and rare visitors include Cetti’s and sedge warblers. The freshwater lakes provide overwintering habitat for wildfowl including teal and gadwall. The reserve is also an important breeding ground for butterflies, including the small blue, brown argus and marbled white. Rare insects include Cepero’s groundhopper and the strandline beetle – also known as the beachcomber beetle – which feeds on moss, lichen and algae.

Location

Oxwich

About the area

There’s no getting away from it – when it comes to image, Swansea is a bit of a mixed bag. During its heyday in the 19th century, as king of the copper industry, it was known as ‘Copperopolis’.

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Oxwich National Nature Reserve

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Oxwich National Nature Reserve

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