Freshwater Lakes and Rivers

Freshwater Lakes and Rivers
Alwen Reservoir and Llyn brenig
O.S.Map Reference SH967549 The Alwen and Llyn Brenig Reservoirs are set about 2 Kilometres apart on the B4501 and are about 7 Kilometres north of Cerrigydrudion. There is a Visitors Centre at Llyn Brenig. Both sites are surrounded by conifer plantations and moorland.
The bird species are similar at both sites and include Gulls, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Common Sandpiper Coot and Moorhen. In Winter, Teal, Pochard ,Goldeneye and Tufted Duck join the residents. In the woodland, Goldcrest, Coal and Blue Tits, are resident and these are joined by Warblers in summer. Irruptions of Crossbill occur from time to time. On the moor, Wheatear, Skylark, Pipits, Curlew and Lapwing breed, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Raven can be seen overhead.

Hanmer Mere
O.S.Map Reference SJ454390 Hanmer village is about 10 Kilometres west of Whitchurch on the A539 Whitchurch to Ruabon Road. On the mere Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Ruddy Duck breed. Goldeneye,Pochard, Teal and Shoveler overwinter. A good selection of woodland birds can be seen in the woods surrounding the lake.

Gresford Flash
O.S.Map Reference SJ347536 Gresford Flash is best approached by turning off the A483 Wrexham bypass at the Nantwich turnoff onto the Gresford roundabout. Take the A5156 Wrexham Industrial Estate Road and turn left onto a narrow lane 1/2 Kilometre down. The Flash is on the right another 1/2 Kilometre.

This diminutive lake can be surprising in terms of the number of species that has been recorded over the years, but expect to see Mallard, Swan, Moorhen, Coot, Tufted Duck, Canada Geese, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Ruddy Duck breed. During the winter months, Pochard, Shoveler Teal, Widgeon and occasionally Goldeneye visit along with large gull roosts including Black Headed, Herring and Lesser Black Backed Gulls.

Llyn Gweryd
O.S.Map Reference SJ173550 From Llandegla village, take the minor road at the western end of the village. After about 2 Kilometres cross the B5431 road and carry on minor road for another 3 Kilometres. At a sweeping left handed bend, the valley drops away to the left, and to the right there is a radio mast. Walk towards the mast and around the edge of the wood to the lake.
A good selection of birds can be seen in the mixed woodland, while Mallard, Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck breed on the lake in summer. On the moor, Pipit ,Whinchat, Stonechat and Wheatear can be seen, with Kestrel,Sparrowhawk and Buzzard above.
In winter, Goldeneye, Pochard and Teal can be found on the lake. A footpath continues from the lake to the village of Llanarmon-Yn-Ial fringing woodland. Just past the lake on this path, a herd of deer is kept by a local farm.

Ty Mawr Co. Park and Froncysyllte
O.S.Map Reference SJ284414 The easiest access to the park is from Ruabon on the B5605 towards Newbridge. At Newbridge just before a sharp left hand bend, turn right underneath a railway bridge, the entrance is on the left.From the park, it is possible to walk along the river from the Newbridge Viaduct to Froncysyllte Aqueduct, a magnificent stroll in the Vale of Llangollen. Apart from the River, this walk goes through and alongside deciduous woodland and lush flower rich meadow and scrub. The potential for seeing a large range of birds, particularly in Spring and Summer is huge.
On the river, Mallard, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher breed along with Sedge and Reed Warbler in the marshy backwaters. In the meadows, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat, Meadow Pipits and Goldfinch are common, while in the woodland and fringes, Tits, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Thrushes, Greater Spotted Woodpecker and Jay are resident, Warblers, Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart are among the summer breeders.

Afon Aled
O.S.Map Reference SH940658 From Llansannan walk north along the river through mixed woodland.
Grey Wagtail and Dipper on the river, with Woodpeckers, Tits, Finches, Redstart, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher, Warblers, Blackcap, Nuthatch and Treecreeper amongst the many woodland birds that can be found here. On the slopes of the surrounding Denbigh Moors, Pipits, Whinchat, Wheatear breed, Buzzard and Raven overhead.

Shropshire Union Canal
From the Froncysyllte Aqueduct it is possible to walk almost 5 Kilometres westwards along the canal towpath to the Trevor Inn (SJ242424). This is a beautiful walk through the Vale of Llangollen. See Ty Mawr for species.