|
|
News and inspiration for visitors to our woodlands and National Nature Reserves.
 We’re all watching the purse-strings these days but a visit to one of our woodlands or nature reserves offers a value-for-money day out.
There are no entry fees to our places and all of our trails are free to use. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the route or in the picnic area near the car park.
There are free water refill points at our visitor centres (Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas, both near Aberystwyth, and Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau) so don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle along with you and keep hydrated as you enjoy the trails.
There is a parking charge at our visitor centres and other places with lots of visitor facilities but, if you visit regularly, you can save money by buying a season ticket for parking at some places.
Go to our website to plan a visit to a woodland or nature reserve.
|
|
 We look after many special places around the coastline of Wales, from National Nature Reserves with huge sand dunes to forests near beaches.
Each place has an information panel to help you make the most of your day and lots of places have waymarked walking and cycling trails.
Wales has the best bathing water quality in the UK and many of our beaches hold Blue Flags, Green Coast Awards and Seaside Awards.
Go to our website to plan your visit to a place by the sea.
|
|
 Before cooling off in open water this summer, take a moment to think about your safety and the safety of those with you.
Use these four tips to help keep you safe in and around the sea, rivers and other open water:
1. Stop and think: Is it a safe place to swim?
- Are there hazards beneath the water?
- Are there strong currents or fast-flowing water?
- How deep is it and can you get out easily?
2. Stay together: Always go with someone else
3. Float to live: If you get into trouble in the water, float until you feel calm
4. Call 999 or 112 if you see someone in trouble in the water
Last year, four people under 20 years old died in accidental drownings in Wales - the highest number since 2015. To help your family understand how to behave around water, invite your children your watch this simple Water Safety Code animation by the Royal Life Saving Society.
|
|
 Taking the children for a bike ride in one of our woodlands couldn’t be easier thanks to our family-friendly, waymarked bike trails.
Try our beginner-friendly green grade trails or our shorter trails ideal for younger riders.
Or head for one of our skills areas to practice your riding techniques before tackling the trails.
|
|
 We want everyone to enjoy our trails and benefit from being in nature. If you use adaptive equipment and are looking for a challenge, some of our mountain bike trails may be suitable for you.
Take a look at our films that show what it’s like to ride each trail to help you decide if it is right for you and your equipment.
You can find out about our work to create more cycling opportunities for everyone in our latest blog by our Outdoor Access and Recreation team.
|
|
 Our visitor centres at Ynyslas and Bwlch Nant yr Arian have retained their Green Flag status for 2023.
This award is a sign that a park or green space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained, and has excellent visitor facilities.
The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government.
Plan a visit to one of our award-winning visitor centres
|
|
 Our visitor centres organise a range of events for children over the school holidays, such as mini beast hunts and nature art activities.
Follow the visitor centres on Facebook to find out about their events and news.
|
|
 Whether you stroll through a park, wander along a beach, or explore a forest trail, walking in the summer offers numerous benefits for both physical health and overall well-being.
Find out about the health benefits of summer walks as well as how to care for your health on hot, sunny days in this blog by our health advisor.
|
|
 We hope this snapshot from the places we look after across Wales has given you some inspiration to get out into the great outdoors.
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?
For information about our woodlands and National Nature Reserves with visitor facilities, go to our Days Out website.
|
|
|
|
