Ynyslas Visitor Centre is the ideal place to start a visit to Dyfi National Nature Reserve, home to the famous sand dunes and huge estuary near Aberystwyth.

There is a new exhibition in the visitor centre about what to see at the reserve. The exhibition features beautifully illustrated displays about the wildlife that lives underwater off the Ceredigion coast, the flowers that grow in the dunes and the birdlife supported by the estuary. An interactive display shows how dunes are formed and there is an insight into Ynyslas’ history as a weapons facility during the Second World War.

A programme of events ranging from guided walks to wildlife education days is offered by the visitor centre team. For more details see the visitor centre’s Facebook page or our website (advance booking is recommended for events).

The visitor centre shop sells books, cards, local artwork and toys. It also sells drinks and light snacks and has outside seating to enjoy the refreshments and the views.

Find out more about visiting Dyfi National Nature Reserve on our website

Go to the Dyfi Ynyslas Visitor Centre Facebook page

Many of the woodlands and National Nature Reserves that we look after have facilities for visitors with disabilities. To help people plan a visit more easily, we have recently published a new accessible visits section on our website.

In addition to our barrier-free, wheelchair-friendly routes (which are graded as accessible) some of our cycle trails are suitable for adaptive bike users. We have produced a series of films to help people work out how suitable some of these trails are for them and their equipment before they visit.

The films are narrated by a disabled person as they negotiate the route using their own equipment. Each film shows the trail surface, uphill and downhill gradients, and certain sections where help may be needed. The films feature seven trails at four of our places (Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, Beddgelert Forest, and Afan Forest Park).

Find out about accessible trails and other accessible facilities on our website

Watch the films about trails for adaptive bike users on our website

Read the blog about our work with Experience Community to improve information for disabled visitors

Two of the walking trails that start from Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre are suitable for visitors using an off-road mobility scooter. The Afon Eden Trail goes to a riverside picnic area and the Cefndeuddwr Trail goes to a viewpoint with picnic table.

A Tramper off-road mobility scooter can be hired from the visitor centre. Please note that this must be booked in advance by contacting the visitor centre.

Contact Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre on 01341 440747 or coedybrenin@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

The visitor facilities at two popular Welsh Government woodlands are now being managed by other organisations.

Earlier this year Forest Holidays took on responsibility for managing the visitor facilities at Garwnant near Merthyr Tydfil. Forest Holidays are building timber holiday cabins in the forest and plan to upgrade the visitor centre and café. The car park, trails and café remain open for day visitors to use.

For the latest information about visiting Garwnant go to the Forest Holidays website 

For the news release about the change in management arrangements go to our website

In May Natural Resources Wales and the National Trust signed a lease agreement transferring the management of Hafod to the National Trust. The National Trust now cares for 200 hectares at Hafod, including its extensive grounds, restored historic gardens and walking trails. Hafod and the walking trails are open all year round and remain free for people to access.

For the latest information about visiting Hafod go to the National Trust website

For the news release about the change in management arrangements go to the National Trust website

Here are some tips from the Countryside Code to help you play your part in looking after woodlands and National Nature Reserves so they remain healthy and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Many of our places are in quiet, rural locations which don’t have regular waste collections. Please bring a bag to take your litter home with you so it’s not left behind to spoil the view or harm wildlife.

Your dog is welcome to visit with you, but make sure you bag its poo and bin it or take it home with you. Keep your dog in sight and under control so it doesn’t cause a problem for other visitors or animals.

It only takes one stray spark to cause a devastating wildfire, so make sure cigarettes aren’t left smouldering and do not light fires. Only light a BBQ where signs say you can, then wait until the ashes are cold and dispose of it responsibly. Even better, bring a picnic from home, especially during hot, dry weather.

Be considerate towards the local community by not blocking roads or gateways when parking. Make a plan B in case the car park is full when you arrive.

Read the Countryside Code for more advice to help you respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors

A new range of Wales Coast Path branded merchandise can now be purchased online. The clothing range includes hoodies, tee-shirts and head gear, and there are also notepads, cotton bags, coasters and mugs.

The Wales Coast Path celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and the special anniversary range has a commemorative pint glass, perfect for that post walk drink.

The products use biodegradable and eco-friendly materials and packaging, and every purchase helps conserve the outdoors and support the upkeep of the Wales Coast Path.

Go to the Wales Coast Path’s online shop to browse the full range of merchandise

We hope this snapshot of news from the places we look after across Wales has given you some inspiration to get out into the great outdoors this summer. 

Please do let us know what you think of this newsletter and share any ideas for content for future issues. 

And why not forward it on to friends and family who would like to discover more of Wales, too? 

For information about our woodlands and National Nature Reserves with visitor facilities, go to our Days Out website