Cemlyn Nature Reserve (Esgair Cemlyn)
Shingle ridge and saltwater lagoon on Anglesey’s north coast, home to the only Sandwich tern nesting colony in Wales. Free, open at all times, best for terns from May to July.
Cemlyn, on the north coast west of Wylfa, is a 25-hectare reserve run by North Wales Wildlife Trust. A curving shingle ridge, Esgair Cemlyn, holds back a shallow lagoon with islands where Sandwich, common and Arctic terns nest. The Trust says it is the only Sandwich tern nesting colony in Wales and one of the largest tern colonies in the UK.
What to see and do
Summer, especially May to July, is the time for breeding terns, which wardens have watched over every summer since 1981. In winter the lagoon draws wildfowl and waders. Grey seals and bottlenose dolphins are among species recorded here. Shingle plants such as sea kale and yellow horned-poppy grow on the ridge.
Good to know
Free and open at all times. From late April to August walk on the seaward side of the ridge and follow wardens and fencing. Dogs must be on a lead. The ridge is steep and strenuous and not suitable for prams or wheelchairs; you can view the colony across the lagoon from the road instead.