A haven for

Birdwatching

in Cardiff

Cardiff’s iconic reservoirs

Birds at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs

The mix of woodland, grassland and waterside habitats makes this an area rich in birdlife.

The SSSI status protects the overwintering wildfowl which is why Lisvane Reservoir and the paths around it are closed between October and March.

As well as the wildfowl, a variety of birds use the woodlands and hedgerows surrounding the reservoirs for nesting, particularly our common garden birds like blue tit, great tit, robin, carrion crow, chaffinch, greenfinch and goldfinch.

What To Look Out For in Winter

Species identified on site include great crested grebe, little grebe, tufted duck, pochard, mallard, coot, moorhen, black-headed gull, common gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull, cormorant, mute swan and grey wagtail.

Other species that are regularly seen include Canada goose, wigeon, teal, grey heron, shoveler, goldeneye, great black-backed gull, kingfisher, great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, pied wagtail, fieldfare, redwing, sparrowhawk, buzzard, tawny owl and raven.

What To Look Out For in Summer

Species that come to Lilsvane & Llanishen Reservoirs to breed in the summer include sand martin, swallow, house martin, swift, whitethroat, common sandpiper, blackcap, chiffchaff and willow warbler.

Bird Hide

There is a bird hide located on the northern side of Lisvane Reservoir, an opportunity to quietly and discretely observe the wildfowl.

Bird Islands

These special structure have been installed on Lisvane Reservoir to provide a peaceful area as breeding or roosting sites for waterbirds, away from the outer edges of the water.

Nature & Wildlife Highlights

Fungi

The embankments of Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoir are of special interest for their significant populations of grassland fungi, particularly the rare waxcap.

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Plants & Insects

Wild-flowers flourish at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs, as they did in the hay meadows of earlier times, and they attract a variety of insects, particularly butterflies.

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Woodland

Explore our nature trails in the semi-ancient and more recently established woodland on site. Find out about our education zone and Wildlife Haven…

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Wildlife & Nature

Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs forms a vital part of the green and blue infrastructure of Cardiff and has great ecological value particularly for fungi and overwintering birds.

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Take Care

In order to help us protect the diversity of birds at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs, please take care when you walk around the site.

Please use signposted trails only and keep off the grass at all times.

Please take notice of our seasonal path closures.

A haven for

Birdwatching

in Cardiff

Birds at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs

What To Look Out For in Winter

What To Look Out For in Summer

Bird Hide

Bird Islands

Nature & Wildlife Highlights

Fungi

Plants & Insects

Woodland

Wildlife & Nature

Take Care

OTHER WELSH WATER ADVENTURES