Nature & Wildlife

Pembrokeshire is a well know haven for birds and seals, and there are plenty of opportunities to see them in their natural surroundings, either by foot or even by sea. If it's just beautiful countryside you want, then Pembrokeshire wont disappoint you with Britain's only Coastal National Park. It covers 620 square kilometres and is one of the small National Parks but despite this it contains the biggest number of protected sites in Europe.The best way to enjoy the Park is to walk the coastal path which runs for 299km and was opened in 1970. However, if that is not enough for you, there are another 725 km of interna paths to tackle.

There are several islands within the park, all named by the Viking invaders : Skomer, Skokholm, Grassholm, Ramsey and Caldey. Caldey island is famous for its Cistercian Monastry, still used to this day. The other island are more well known for their rich and varied birdlife, with Puffins, Choughs, Razorbills, Guillemots and Kittiwakes to name but a few of the regular visitors. You can take an organised sea trip to view this wonder of nature, but you can still see many of these birds on the mainland in select spots.

Pembrokeshire's waters are also noted as a Site of Special Scientic Interest, due to the nutrient rich waters from the Atlantic. Here is one of the few places in the UK where ceteceans, seals and birdlife can be found in large numbers. It is home to one of the UK's largest colony of Atlantic Grey Seals, and autumn is a good time to visit if you want to see their seal pups on the shores.

One last word, the beaches are fantastic, not at all crowded and the water is a chrystal clear greeny blue.... Come soon before everyone hears about it!

Some local organisers of boat trips

Dale Sea Safari (www.dale-sailing.co.uk)
Porthgain Boat Trips (www.porthgainboats.ndo.co.uk)
Ramsey Island Cruises (www.ramseyislandcruises.co.uk)
Seal & Dolphin Safaris, run by Celtic Diving (www.celticdiving.co.uk)
Shearwater Safaris (www.boatrides.co.uk)
Venture Jet Wildlife Expeditions (www.venturejet.co.uk)

Other places of interest

Welsh Bird of Prey Centre (www.welshbirdofpreycentre.com)
West Wales Eco Centre (www.ecocentre.org.uk)
Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran
Penlan Uchaf Gardens
Llys y Fran Resevoir
Manor House Wild Animal Park (www.manorhousewildanimalpark.co.uk)
Hilton Court Gardens (www.hiltongardensandcrafts.co.uk)
Colby Woodland Gardens (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)
Bro Meigan Gardens (www.bromeigan.co.uk)
Bosherton Lakes (www.nationaltrust.co.uk)
Begelly Park Gardens (www.begellyparkgardens.co.uk)