Pembrokeshire is rich in wildlife and has lots of sites where nature is protected including 9 National Nature Reserves and a Marine Nature Reserve. There is a Local Nature Reserve at Freshwater East.
Wild Flowers in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is renowned for its wild flowers, both in the hedge banks and on the cliffs. The flowers change with the seasons, but perhaps late spring is when Pembrokeshire is most colourful.
Birds in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is also well known for its bird life, especially sea birds such as Puffins, Gannets, Manx Shearwaters. Stack Rocks and Skomer Island are good places to see puffins in early summer. Skomer and Skockholm Islands have the largest populations of Manx Shearwater in the world. The Chough and Skylark are rare birds that live in Pembrokeshire.
Rock Pool Life in Pembrokeshire
Rock pools in Pembrokeshire abound with life. Beautiful seaweeds, crabs, fish, shrimps, shell fish and sea anemones can all be found. Manorbier Bay is an excellent place for rockpooling, when the tide is out.
Mammals in Pembrokeshire
These animal pictures were taken by people staying at Freshwater Bay Holiday Village. As no dogs are allowed on the site, foxes, badgers, rabbits and other small creatures may often be seen.
National Nature Reserves
There are 9 National Nature Reserves in Pembrokeshire:
- Stackpole in South Pembrokeshire
- The islands of Skomer, Skokholm, Grassholm and Ramsey
- Corsydd, Ty Canol, Pengelli and Coedmor in North Pembrokeshire.
- There is also a Marine Nature Reserve around Skomer and the Marloes Peninsular.
Local Nature Reserve
Freshwater East Local Nature Reserve
Freshwater East Nature Reserve is situated behind the beach at Freshwater East. There are sand dunes, grassland, woodland and a marsh. Access to the marsh is at the rear of the public car park. If you visit Freshwater East Nature Reserve at dusk in June or July look out for glow worms.
Other Protected Areas
There are also many Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Pembrokeshire. On the Countryside Council for Wales website there is a map showing all the protected sites in Wales.